FOR 


University  of  California  •  Berkeley 


A  LINE  o'  CHEER 

FOR 

EACH  DAY  o'  THE  YEAR 


A  Line  o'  Cheer 

for 

Each  Day  o'  the  Year 


JOHN  KENDRICK  BANGS 


Boston 

Little,  Brown,  and  Company 
1913 


Copyright, 
BY  LITTLE,  BROWN,  AND  COMPANY 


All  rights  reserved 
Published,  September,  1913 


STo  $&£  Son 

FRANCIS   HYDE  BANGS 


Sidi'Day  o t&year 

3fanuarp  I 


THE    BOOK   OF    DAYS 

Another  Book  of  Days  has  come  to  me. 
What  story  shall  its  pages  fair  reveal 
When  this  New  Year  hath  ceased  at  last 

to  be, 
And  Time  hath  turned  again  his  whirring 

wheel? 

May  every  day  tell  of  some  goodly  deed 
Of  kindness  for  my  fellowmen  fulfilled, 
Of  thoughtfulness  for  them  that  stand  in 

need, 
With  faith  and  ready  charity  instilled. 

May  ne'er  a  blot  its  virgin  whiteness  mar, 
No  faithless  thought  appear  in  any  line, 
And  steadfast  as  some  everlasting  star 
May  love  eternal  through  its  pages  shine. 


o?  £iy.  o'  Qutr 

January  2 


THE    PRICE 

That  "  all  men  have  their  price,"  a  Cynic 

saith, 

And  it  is  true,  but  not  a  price  in  gold. 
Some  sell  themselves  for  LOVE,  and  some  for 

FAITH, 
And  some  tor  HELPFULNESS  themselves  have 

sold. 

Who  sells  himself  for  dross 
Wins  but  a  meed  of  loss, 
But  he  who  barters  all  his  HEART  and  MIND, 
To  ease  a  Sorrow,  or  some  deed  in  kind, 
Hath  got  a  worthy  price  in  man's  GOOD-WILL 
That  serves  him  best  in  days  of  his  own  ill. 


Sxti'Day  d 

January  3 


DELIVERANCE 

I  never  knew  a  night  so  black 
Light  failed  to  follow  on  its  track. 
I  never  knew  a  storm  so  gray 
It  failed  to  have  its  clearing-day. 
I  never  knew  such  bleak  despair 
That  there  was  not  a  rift,  somewhere, 
I  never  knew  an  hour  so  drear 
Love  could  not  fill  it  full  of  Cheer! 


AS   TO   FAITH 


Who  waits  to  prove  his  Faith  before  believ- 

ing 
But  loses  stores  of  wheat  he  might  be  sheav- 

ing, 

And  in  the  end  a  loser  poor  comes  out 
Since  all  his  Faith  is  builded  up  on  Doubt! 


u 


Sicfi^Dmi  d  f&ymr 

Sanuarp  5 


LOVE'S    BLINDNESS 

They  say  Love  's  blind,  and  cannot  clearly 

see 

What  he  is  at,  or  where  he  '11  shortly  be ; 
Yet  where  a  Heart  lies  open,  and  awake, 
And  waiting  patiently  for  Love's  own  sake, 
Blind  though  he  is,  he  goes  unerringly, 
Nor  needs  a  guide  by  night  or  day 
To  point  the  way! 


CLOUDS 


Clouds  may  be  dark, 

Clouds  may  be  gray, 
But  listen  —  hark  — 

I  Ve  learned  to-day 
No  Cloud  yet  seen 

In  all  the  list 
But  it  hath  been 

Just  made  of  —  MIST  ! 


|<Su££b/  6 


ROUTED 

When  Trouble  comes  upon  the  scene 
Just  greet  him  with  a  smiling  mien, 
And  make  him  feel  that  he  's  the  style 
Of  friend  you  Ve  wished  for  all  the  while. 
If  thus  you  do  he  will  not  stay, 
But  soon  departing  on  his  way 
Will  flee  your  hearth  at  maddest  pace, 
For  Trouble  hates  a  smiling  face! 


MS 


cJL  Qnt  o'  Qfitt 

3Tanuarj»  8 


r 


THE    GAINER 

A  Beggar  gray  told  me  to-day 

A  story  most  appealing, 
And  then  and  there  what  I  could  spare 

I  gave  him  for  his  healing. 

They  later  told  me  I  was  sold, 

And  I  was  much  derided, 
But  what  if  he  did  "bunco"  me? 

He  lost  far  more  than  I  did! 

I  thought  I  had  the  pleasure  glad 
Of  giving  where  'twas  needed; 

And  if  he  lied,  why  me  deride? 
I  gained  much  more  than  he  did. 


SuH'Day  dtfieyear 


1 


Hfanuarp  9 


A   WINTER   THOUGHT 

Straight  through  the  chill  of  winter  days 

As  clear  as  anything, 
Through  all  the  murk,  and  misty  ways, 

I  see  the  coming  spring. 

And  clear  above  the  noisy  swell 

Of  winter's  arctic  blast, 
I  hear  the  bird-notes  sweet  that  tell 

Of  June  days  come  at  last. 

Old  Winter's  ways  speak  not  of  rue 
To  me,  things  drab  and  gray  — 

They  point  the  path  that  leads  us  to 
The  flowers  of  the  May  I 


4ft 


o?  (jnt  o  Qutr 

3Fanuarp  10 


THE   ALTERNATIVE 

The  future  holds  two  possibilities  — 
More  living  in  some  realm  of  mysteries 

Wherein  as  here  to  prove 
How  we  may  rise  to  loftiest  heights,  with 
Love 

The  test; 
Or  just  a  sweet  and  everlasting  rest, 

With  ne'er 
A  hint  of  sordid  things,  of  pain,  nor  any  care  ! 


SFanuarp  U 


CONSOLING 


THOUGHT 


If  you  have  faults,  grieve  not! 

Let  this  thought  keep  you  warm: 
Who  hath  no  faults  hath  got 

No  hope  for  a  Reform! 


tint  o'  Qmr 

SFanuarp  14 


TWO   WORLDS 

The  world  without 

Is  fine,  no  doubt, 
With  treasures  fair  to  win; 

But  as  for  me 

I  look  with  glee 
Upon  the  world  within. 

The  treasures  there 

Beyond  compare 
A  Fortune  vast  combine  — 

Faith,  Hope,  and  Health, 

And  Love's  own  wealth, 
And  every  bit  is  —  MINE ! 


y^&ayotfttywr 

\Jjjffi    3Tanuatp  *5    fiJjjJj 


ACHIEVEMENT 

The  climb  is  hard,  the  way  is  steep. 
The  path  is  rough  and  hard  to  keep. 
The  goal  is  far,  and  foes  deride 
The  Traveler  on  every  side. 
Yet,  day  by  day,  and  night  by  night, 
We  nearer  draw  unto  the  height, 
Until  at  last  the  dawning  sun 
Shines  on  the  prizes  nobly  won; 
And  all  the  strife,  and  vain  regret, 
By  which  the  journey  was  beset 
Forgotten  lie  amid  the  haze 
Of  fast  receding  Yesterdays. 


{jnt  o'  Qwtr 

SFanuarp  16 


A  SAFE  RETREAT 

Keep  a  chamber  in  your  heart 
Given  o'er  to  Cupid's  art, 
And  whatever  comes  your  way 
Spend  some  time  there  every  day. 
'T  is  a  method  I  am  sure 
That  will  hold  your  Youth  secure, 


17 


DETERMINATION 

What  I  WILL  must  surely  be ; 
What  I  WISH  FOR  I  shall  see ; 
What  I  'D  HAVE  must  come  to  me  — 
If  I  WILL  and  WISH  aright, 
And  keep  at  it  day  and  night 
Till  at  last  it  heaves  in  sight, 
And,  according  to  my  habit, 

I  'VE  THE  NERVE  TO  GO  AND  GRAB  IT  ! 


fine,  d  Qw 

SFanuarp  18 


WRINKLED 


A  wrinkled  cheek  I  '11  not  despise, 

But  rather  prize! 
'T  is  but  the  Chart  of  Sorrow  sore 
Some  troubled  Soul  has  traveled  o'er, 

And  calls  to  me 
Not  for  Contempt,  but  Sympathy. 


EacF&ay  6 'tHi^eaf 

January  19 


IN   THE   MIDST   OF   NIGHT 

I  joy  in  brilliant  days, 

Yet,  in  some  ways, 
I  take  most  rare  delights 

In  starless  nights, 
Wherein  in  happy  dreams 
I  travel  spectral  streams, 

And  see  strange  sights; 

And  now  and  then 

Encounter  men 
Of  Fame  of  other  times, 

And  other  climes. 

But,  best  of  all, 
I  hold  high  festival 
With  Friends  for  whom  my  tears 
Were  shed  in  Yesteryears ! 


o 

January  20 


COMFORTING 


THOUGHT 


When  on  some  wintry  day  I  'm  caught 
'Twixt  arctic  blasts  and  chill  exhausting, 

I  take  much  comfort  from  the  thought 
That  cake  is  sweeter  for  the  frosting. 


Sxli'Day  o  t&year 

1   3fanuarp  21 


THE   FALLEN    SNOW 

The  snow  hath  fallen,  and  the  world 

Lies  in  an  icy  mantle  furled, 

The  which  to  some  speaks  but  of  ill 

And  wintry  chill. 

To  me, 

Its  perfect  whiteness,  and  the  glint 
Of  spotless  beauty  are  a  hint 
That  in  a  world  of  flaws,  and  flecks, 

And  sorry  specks, 
There  still  are  stores  of  Purity, 
Unsullied  by  the  stress  and  strife 
Of  Life. 


••3L  (jflit  <f  Qitt 

3fanuarp  22 


r 


THE   CALL 

I  shall  not  sit,  and  mope,  and  sigh, 

Because  of  winter  and  the  storm, 
But  forth  upon  the  way  I  '11  hie 
With  eager  heart  to  see  if  I 
Can't  make  Somebody  warm! 

The  sleet,  and  chill,  and  bitter  air, 

The  blasts  that  bluster  on  the  lea, 
And  all  the  notes  of  wild  despair 
Are  but  the  call  of  Woe  and  Care 
Sent  forth  to  summon  me. 

So  blow,  ye  winds  from  yonder  north ! 
Upon  my  way  I  '11  sally  forth, 
All  heedless  of  your  noisy  rout, 
To  do  what  Service  lies  without! 


\fwti® (y  d  tfayeaf 

HFanuarp  23 


(* 


IN    WORKING    DRESS 

This  cheerless  garb,  so  drab  and  drear, 
In  which  old  Winter  doth  appear 
Is  Nature's  working-garment  gray 
In  which  she  labors  day  by  day 
Preparing  for  the  Gifts  of  May, 
When  Spring  the  blest 
All  gaily  dressed, 
And  full  of  mirth, 
Shall  make  her  debut  on  the  earth. 
Who  hath  the  eye  and  ear 
E'en  now  can  see  and  hear 
Her  happy  Elfin  throng 
Rehearsing  all  day  long 
The  paeans  they  will  sing 
In  honor  of  the  new-born  Spring ! 


PROFITABLE 


CARELESSNESS 


Careless  what  the  weather  be; 
Careless  be  it  dark  or  fair, 
Long  as  down  inside  o'  me 
It  is  always  sunny  there  — 
That  's  the  Carelessness  to  free 
Careless  people  of  their  Care. 


tacli'Day  d  tfayear' 

January  25 


THE   WINTER    PINE 

Out  there  in  the  sleet  and  hail 

Through  this  window-pane  of  mine 

Heedless  of  the  roaring  gale 
I  can  see  a  noble  pine. 

Tempests  rage,  and  torrents  beat; 

Icy  chill  besieges,  now, 
And  a  weight  of  frozen  sleet 

Bends  each  overarching  bough. 

Yet  amid  the  storm  and  strife 
Quiet,  strengthful  and  serene, 

Still  it  holds  its  place  in  life 
Unconcerned,  and  ever  green. 

There  1s  a  hint  for  me,  I  guess, 
In  the  midst  of  storm  and  stress ! 


ffL  £nt  o'  Qm 

^   3Fanuarj>26 


r 


WHEN    DOUBT   APPEARS 

When    Doubt   comes   over   you    and    Faith 

grows  dim, 

And  Miracles  are  needed  to  retrieve 
Your  Spirit  from  misgivings  dark  and  grim, 
And  give  new  strength  to  that  which  you 
believe, 

Gaze  anywhere  —  North,  South,  or  East  or 
West  — 

On  leafy  trees,  or  on  some  lofty  height; 
On  solitudes  where  all  things  speak  of  rest, 

Or  on  the  noisy  marts  by  day  or  night. 

Look  on  the  Rose,  or  on  the  winter  skies ; 
On   harvests    sprung    from   the   minutest 

seed; 

Look  deep  into  some  loving  mortal's  eyes  — 
And  Miracles  you  '11  find  to  serve  your 
need. 


SFanuarp  27 


BROTHERHOOD 


I  m  not  my  Brother's  Keeper, 
That  fact  can't  be  gainsaid, 

Yet  may  old  Time  the  Reaper 
Find  me  my  Brother's  Aide 


3Fanuarp  28 


BARGAIN 


Who  hath  a  Trouble,  let  him  sell  to  me. 
I  '11  gladly  take  it  on  and  set  him  free. 
My  profit?     Well,  to  bear  another's  stress 
Relieves  my  own,  and  makes  for  Happiness. 


3Fanuarp  29 


THE   CONQUEROR 

To  meet  Death  fearlessly  — 

That  may  not  be ! 
But  when  the  time  comes  on 

In  days  anon, 
And  Death  draws  grimly  near, 

Though  filled  with  Fear 
In  spite  of  all  may  I 

Right  bravely  die, 
And  pass  those  terrors  o'er 

A  Conqueror. 


SWEETS 


Revenge  indeed  is  sweet; 

Yet  I  would  here  repeat  a 
Small  proverb  rather  neat  — 

FORGIVENESS  is  MUCH  SWEETER 


Szcti'Dayo 

Sanitary  31 


THE    BLINDMAN 

The  blindest  man  I  Ve  ever  seen 
Had  eye  so  bright  and  vision  keen 
That  he  could  see  a  thing  of  ill 
A  league  beyond  a  distant  hill, 
Yet  never  glimpsed  the  beauties  rare 
That  lushly  bloomed  beside  his  chair. 


£ 


o? 


0 


r 


]   Jfebtuarpl 


FEBRUARY   GIFTS 

Now  February's  days  appear 
In  somber  mien,  devoid  of  cheer - 
All  cold  of  eye,  and  full  of  cloud, 
Beneath  the  yoke  of  winter  bowed, 

Yet  spite  of  all 

Her  icy  pall, 

She  now  and  then 

Spreads  forth  for  men 

Reluctant  gifts 

Of  sunny  rifts, 
And  smiling  skies  above  — 

Much  as  true  love 

And  tenderness 
Have  potency  to  ease  distress. 


Jf  ebruarp  2 


A   PRAYER 


Whate'er  we  be,  or  Man,  or  Woman, 
Let  's  pray  the  Lord  to  keep  us  human, 
And  hold  us  in  our  mortal  pride 
A  little  short  of  satisfied. 


o  Qut 

Jfebruarp  3 


r 


FREE    COINAGE 

What  joy  if  sunshine  were  the  gold 

We  stored  in  massy  piles, 
And  hearts  were  but  the  banks  that  hold 

Our  currency  of  smiles! 

What  bliss  indeed  to  pay  our  debts, 
And  put  chill  Want  to  flight 

By  easing  Poverty's  regrets 
With  coin  of  minted  light ! 


Szcti'DayotKeywr 

Jf  ebruarp  4 


IN   THE   VALE 

Fortune  sings  beneath  my  window,  and  her 
words  are  full  of  lure, 

But  dear  Love  is  here  beside  me  and  his 
riches  are  secure. 

Chance  doth  beckon  from  the  hilltop,  and  his 
promises  are  rare; 

Service  holds  me  in  the  valley,  and  I  find  con- 
tentment there. 


(int  o  (tor 

jfebruarp  5 


ALL   ABOARD! 


Somewhere  the  sun  's  not  shining, 
And  clouds  are  dark  and  drear, 

With  ne'er  a  silver  lining 
To  mitigate  their  fear. 

Let  's  cease  our  own  repining 
And  hasten  there  with  cheer. 


u 


Sicli'DqydtKeyMr' 

jf  ebruarp  6 


THE   UNIVERSAL   TONGUE 

Talk  not  to  me  of  Latin,  Greek, 
Of  Russian,  French,  or  Portuguese. 

Love's  language  is  the  tongue  I  'd  speak 
All  thrilled  with  hope,  and  joy,  and  peace. 

A  language  lacking  tricks  of  phrase, 
And  words  portentous,  seeming  wise, 

That  hath  been  used  since  those  far  days 
When  hearts  first  spoke  through  mortal 
eyes. 


{Int  o'  (heer 

S ebruarp  7 


FOUNDATION 


Amid  lire's  tribulations, 
Amid  life's  little  woes, 
I  find  my  consolations 
That  on  great  irritations 
The  strongest  nations  rose 


chcli®(w  d  they  ear 


Jf  ebruarp  8 


SHARING   AND    BEARING 


If  so  it  be  you  have  a  joy, 

Just  go  outside  and  share  it, 
But  if  some  trouble  doth  annoy, 
Why,  sit  within 
And  try  to  grin 
And  bear  it! 


£int  o*  (Jieerl 


jfebruatp  9 


SMILES 

Smiles  are  sovereign  remedies 
For  all  sorts  of  miseries 

That  are  all  our  own, 
But  when  others  bear  a  cross, 
Suffering  some  grievous  loss, 

They  will  not  atone  — 
Not  unless  they  chance  to  be 
Smiles  of  tender  sympathy. 


Jfebruarp  10 


AVERAGE 


I  have  noticed  as  I  Ve  run 

Through  this  life  of  joy  and  striving 
Of  ten  troubles  looked  for,  one 

Has  a  habit  of  arriving. 


o'  Qieer 

Jfefcruarp  II 


THE    FEBRUARY    SUN 

Look  on  the  sun,  and  if  you  can, 
Bewail  the  chillsome  lot  of  Man 

When  in  the  sky 

You  chance  to  spy 
According  to  kind  nature's  plan 
That  universal  warming-pan ! 


Jfebruarp  12 


ALLEVIATION 


It  should  not,  maybe,  yet  it  does 

Sometimes  in  trouble  take  the  curse  off, 

To  think  that  Some  One  is,  or  was, 

Or  some  day,  somehow,  will  be  worse  off 


Jfebruarp  13 


When  critics  hurt  me  with  their  sneer 
I  find  this  couplet  full  of  cheer: 

Who  's  never  hit 

Is  never  "  IT  " 


*4 


fafflty  o9  tfayear 

^   Jfebruarp  14 


GOOD   WORDS 

To  have  a  good  word  for  my  neighbor, 
To  have  a  good  word  for  my  friend, 

Involves  but  a  wee  bit  of  labor, 
And  nothing  to  boast  in  the  end. 

But  words  that  are  good  for  my  foeman 
And  credit  for  virtues  possest  — 

Now  that  is  a  task,  sir,  that  no  man 
Can  find  little  short  of  a  test 
Of  his  best! 


(into  Qw 

jfebruatp  15 


r 


THE   GREETING 

Who  's  lavish  with  his  smiles, 

And  niggardly  in  tears, 
Will  travel  many  miles 

Along  the  Road  of  Years; 
And  when  the  journey  's  o'er, 

The  smiles  of  joy  elate 
He  's  spent  in  days  of  yore 

Will  greet  him  at  the  Gate ! 


Sxli'Dqy  6 

jfebtuarp  16 


When  some  one  tells  a  tale  of  woe 
About  my  neighbor,  I  '11  receive  it; 
But  even  though 
I  know  it 's  so, 
I  '11  merely  smile  —  and  not  believe  it 


>'  Qwr 


Jfebtuarp  17 


A   RESOLVE 

I  'm  going  to  make  To-day  so  fair 
That  when  it 's  gone  the  usual  way 

On  some  To-morrow  full  of  care 
'T  will  make  a  pleasant  Yesterday. 

And  when  the  future  doth  appear 

A  dreary  prospect,  bleak  and  black, 
I  '11  ease  a  very  present  fear 
By  looking  back! 


Jfebruarp  18 


"ALL'S   WELL" 

You  may  bind  my  body  fast 

To  some  Post  of  Misery, 
But  you  '11  find  me  to  the  last 
Wheresoe'er  my  lot  is  cast 

In  my  Spirit  free ! 

Dreams  are  mine,  and  hopes  likewise. 

Mine  's  the  light  to  ease  my  ill. 
Mine  are  all  the  far-flung  skies; 
Wheresoever  beauty  lies 

Spirit  roams  at  will. 

Bind  me,  chain  me,  prison  me 
In  some  dark  and  loathsome  cell, 

Still  my  Soul  forever  free 

Rises  up  exultantly 

Crying:  "All  Is  Well!  " 


£int  o'  (feer 

jfebruarp  19 


THE  OPTIMISTIC 


PESSIMIST 


The  pessimist  who  gloats  on  ill 
That  is,  or  is  to  be  to-morrow, 

Hath  optimistic  spirit  still, 

He  takes  such  joy  in  things  of  sorrow 


THE    SEED 

Down  in  the  darkness  of  the  earth, 
In  regions  void  of  joy  and  mirth, 

A  seed  will  rest, 

By  seeming  hopelessness  of  light, 
By  seeming  blackness  of  the  night, 
Possessed. 

And  then  from  out  the  wintry  grip 
All  on  a  sudden  it  will  slip 

In  Springtime  hours 
To  make  on  some  glad  day  in  May 
The  prospect  beautifully  gay 
With  flowers. 

So  in  my  wintry  cares!     I  know, 
Despite  the  chill  of  present  woe 

That  holds  me  fast, 
I  'm  but  an  earth-bound  seed,  and  I 
Shall  find  the  dawn  of  victory 
At  last ! 


fine  o'  (jfer 

Jfe&ruarp  21 


ON    DUTY 

Now  what  of  the  sleet? 
And  what  of  the  hail? 
And  what  of  the  fleet 
Tempestuous  gale? 

O  what  of  the  chill, 
The  ice  and  the  snow, 
And  all  of  this  ill 
And  bluster  and  blow? 

That 's  what  Winter  's  for, 
It  must  be  confest 
That  though  he  's  a  bore, 
He  's  doing  his  best! 


Jf  ebruarp  22 


A   DEMONSTRATION 

Cold  is  nothing!     Demonstrate  it? 

Like  two  twos  when  put  together  — 
When  't  is  coldest  wise  folks  rate  it 
As  a  bit  of  zero  weather, 
And  a  zero,  don't  you  see, 
Equals  nothing  —  Q.  E.  D. 
When  the  bitter  blasts  are  storming, 
May  you  find  this  notion  warming! 


{Ine  o'  (Jtttr 

Jf  ebrwarp  23 


jf  ebruarp  24 


SATISFACTION 


Aim  high!    E'en  though  the  target  is  not  hit, 
Your   arrow,   speeding  to   and   from   the 
height, 

In  rise  and  fall,  there  's  no  denying  it, 
Can't  help  but  have  a  satisfying  flight. 


o?  £int  o'  Qmr 

Jf  ebruarp  25 


SWIMMERS   ALL 

Life  's  a  sea,  and  we  're  all  swimmin', 
Boys  and  girls,  and  men  and  women. 
Tempests  rage,  and  skies  are  clouded, 
In  a  black  mist  oft  enshrouded; 
Water  's  deep,  and  waves  are  towerin', 
Current 's  sometimes  overpowerin' ; 
Hard  to  fight  'em  single-handed, 
And  sometimes  perhaps  we're  stranded; 
But  somewhere,  the  voyage  ended, 
Waits  a  harbor  fair  and  splendid, 
Holding  peace  and  rest  to  free 
All  the  swimmers  of  the  sea. 


Jf  ebruarp  26 


•• 


A    GOODLY   QUEST 

Never  had  a  rumpus  yet 

Did  n't  find  some  good  behind  it 
If  I  took  the  care  to  get 

In  the  mood  where  I  could  find  it. 
Anyhow,  whatever  the  score, 
Good  is  well  worth  lookin'  for! 


o  Qietr 


$  ebrwarp  27 


FULFILLMENT 

I  can't  be  what  Shakespeare  was! 
I  can't  do  what  great  folks  does! 
But,  by  Ginger,  I  can  be 

Me! 

And  among  the  folks  that  love  me 
Nothin'  more  's  expected  of  me ! 


0 
Jf  ebruarp  28 


THE   NEARER    STEP 

To-day  was  bleak  as  it  could  be, 
And  yet  my  heart  doth  sing, 

Because  you  see 

It  marked  to  me 
Another  step  toward  Spring. 

Another  step  toward  roses  fair, 
And  smiling  skies  above, 

And  bird-notes  rare, 

And  in  the  air 
The  sense  of  new-born  love. 


tt, 


o?  [int  o  Qittr 

jUlarcfj  I 


M 


GOOD   OLD    MARCH 

Cometh  March  all  brag  and  bluster, 
Pull  of  frills,  and  fuss,  and  fluster, 
But  for  all  his  blatant  bragging 
And  his  cold  and  windy  nagging, 
I  can  see  he  's  only  fooling, 
And  his  threatenings  are  drooling. 
For  beneath  his  noisy  keening 
Coming  Springtime  is  a-greening, 
And  I  know  despite  his  ruffing, 
Good  old  March  is  merely  bluffing. 
He  is  only  rudely  trying 
Thus  to  comfort  Winter,  dying. 


StuftDay  6 'tkyear 


fWawf)  2 


THE    BETTER   WAY 

When  fellers  wantin'  things  comes  by 
I  don't  get  mad  and  hit  'em, 

But  sort  o'  grin  and  see  if  I 
Can't  up  and  help  'em  git  'em. 


£nt  o'  Qietr 

jlWartl)  3 


AS   TO    HEAVEN 

Heaven  is  a  place  so  fair 
That  no  grief  can  enter  there. 
Well,  for  me  I  '11  choose  a  place 
Where,  when  Sorrow  shows  his  face, 
There  's  enough  of  Love  about 
Handily  to  drive  him  out. 


Give  me  this,  and  'spite  the  ill, 
I  shall  have  my  Heaven  still! 


A    PHILOSOPHE 


I  hain't  ez  smart  ez  some  folks  is, 
That  fact  is  plain  to  see, 

But  then  there  's  other  folks  in  bi 
That  hain't  ez  smart  ez  me  ! 


And  so,  without  no  ondue  pride, 
I  'm  feelin'  sorter  satisfied. 


[mt  o'  Qwtr 

jUlarcfj  5 


THE    SHUT-IN 


I  'm  anchored  fast  —  no  trips  for  me 
To  distant  lands  across  the  sea, 

And  yet  I  find  a  certain  sort 

Of  comfort  lying  safe  —  in  port! 


SicH^Mj  o  t&ymr 


iflavtlj  6 


PRIDE   OF    BIRTH 

Now  pride  of  birth  is  very  fine  I 
*T  is  nice  to  come  of  noble  line, 
And  boast  a  lofty  family  tree 
Decked  with  a  famous  ancestry ! 

I  Jm  mighty  glad  to  think  I  Ve  had  'em 
Straight  back  as  far  as  Father  Adam. 
Though  here  and  there,  I  rather  fear 
The  links  are  not  exactly  clear, 
The  fact  remains  that  I  am  here. 
And  that  is  proof  enough  for  me 
That  I  belong  upon  the  tree. 


{int  o'  Qittr 


MY   FACE 

When  fust  I  started  on  life's  race, 
I  war  n't  allowed  to  choose  my  face. 
But  as  I  ran  along  my  way, 
I  found,  by  smilin'  every  day, 
I  sort  o'  gave  this  phiz  o'  mine 
A  kind  of  different  design 
Than  't  would  ha'  had  if  I  had  went 
A-yowlin'  full  o'  discontent. 


I  m  wuss  than  plain,  but  I  can  keep 
My  ugliness  from  strikin'  deep ! 


8 


THE    SONG-CURE 

If,  when  things  are  going  wrong, 
You  will  hum  some  little  song, 
Just  a  soft  and  tender  bit 
With  some  melody  in  it, 
Things  may  not  go  right  again, 
But  't  will  sort  of  ease  the  pain, 
And  you  '11  find  in  your  reverse 
Naught 's  so  bad  it  can't  be  worse, 


ffL  fint  oy 

jMartf)  9 


r 


MEMORIES 

When  with  tears  your  eyelids  glisten 
Just  a  moment  pause,  and  listen; 
Call  to  mind  some  childhood  day 
When  your  tears  were  kissed  away, 
And  within  your  heart  you  '11  hear 
Once  again  the  voice  of  cheer 
Bidding  you  forget  your  fear! 


Blessed  is  the  memory 
Of  the  voice  of  sympathy! 


jWarch  10 


COMFORTING 


I  kain't  do  much  success  to  win, 
But  one  thing  's  sure,  through  thick  and  thin 
I  kin  do  what  I  kin! 


o?  fjnt  o'  (feer 

;$larrf)  II 


u 


CHEER   UP! 

Are  you  moaning  o'er  your  lot 
'Cause  of  things  you  haven't  got? 
Well,  look  here  —  I  've  made  a  list 
Of  the  things  perhaps  you  've  missed: 
Motor  car  stuck  in  the  mud 
With  a  dull  and  sickening  thud ; 
Three  months  note  come  due  to-day; 
Tax-bill  overdue  to  pay; 
Patent  leather  shoes  so  tight 
You  can't  tell  the  left  from  right; 
Measles,  mumps,  and  oh,  the  gout! 
Stomach  slowly  giving  out ; 
Vermiform  appendix  all 
Ready  for  the  Doctor's  call ; 
And  a  thousand  other  knocks 
Straight  from  old  Pandora's  box! 
Think  of  these  a  little  while, 
And  it  may  be  you  will  smile 
As  you  contemplate  your  lot, 
And  the  things  you  have  n't  got ! 


IN  THE  HOUR  OF  TEMPTATION 


To  beat  temptation  when  you  meet  it, 
Turn  on  your  beat  and  simply  beat  it ! 


o?  fine  o'  Qm 

iHardj  13 


r 


WINGS   AND   WINGS 

I  envy  not  the  lark,  for,  though  he  flies 
Upon  the  morning  air  up  through  the  skies, 
Shut  out  is  he  forever  from  the  dells 
Wherein  the  poets  weave  their  magic  spells 
That  send  the  Soul  of  Man,  as  if  on  wings, 
On  flights  of  Spirit,  far  from  earthly  things. 
'T  were  well  to  soar  the  heavens,  but  for  me 
The  Spirit  Realm  on  Wings  of  Poesie! 


jfttard)  14 


THE   WITTY    MAN 

"  Brevity's  the  soul  of  wit!  " 

So  the  Sages  do  report, 
Which  is  why  I  smiling  sit 

When  my  purse  is  running  "  short." 
He  that  laughs  at  poverty 
Hath  a  wit  that  pleaseth  me. 
'T  is  the  sort  beyond  a  doubt 
That  some  day  will  help  him  out! 


Qnt  o  Qietr 


15 


THE    BLUSTERER 

March  all  bluster  threatens  much 
With  his  loud  and  windy  touch, 
But  when  one  looks  underneath 
All  this  showing  of  his  teeth, 
All  his  howl  and  braggart  jeer, 
There  's  not  really  much  to  fear. 
'Neath  his  growling  all  the  while 
There  's  a  sort  of  springy  smile! 


o 

jfWarcf)  16 


A   NEW   THOUGHT 


I  rather  think  to  get  somewhere 

I  '11  so  direct  my  labors 
That  I  can  meet  those  standards  rare 

I  set  up  for  my  neighbors. 
I  wonder,  as  I  think  it  o'er, 
I  never  thought  of  that  before  ! 


<£?  £nt  o'  Qiwr 


17 


A  ST.  PATRICK'S  DAY  RESOLVE 

Just  as  St.  Patrick  drove  the  snakes 

Away  from  good  old  Erin, 
I  think  I  '11  drive  out  all  the  fakes 
That  with  my  soul  play  ducks  and  drakes: 
Intolerance  of  friends'  mistakes, 

A  habit  harsh  of  jeerin'; 

Unkindly  thoughts ;   a  tendency 

To  sham  and  empty  blarney; 
A  lack  of  ready  sympathy 
For  those  in  need  of  charity; 
Until  my  spirit  freed  will  be 

As  green  as  fair  Killarney! 


18 


THE  LURE  AND  THE  LAUREL 

Opportunity,  they  say, 

Knocks  upon  the  outer  door; 

Beckons  us  to  come  away 
Unto  Fortune's  golden  shore. 

Many  rise,  and  many  go, 

Where  his  beckoning  shall  lead, 

Finding  at  the  last  but  woe 
Waiting  on  the  daring  deed. 

Others,  heedless  of  his  call, 
Heedless  of  his  golden  snare, 

Stay  within,  and  after  all 

Find  the  richest  laurels  there. 


[int  o*  Qmr 


19 


WISHING   AND    HOPING 

We  can't  get  our  every  wish 

By  the  act  of  wishing, 
But  e'en  though  there  are  no  fish 

There  's  some  fun  in  fishing. 

So  when  things  are  far  from  bright, 
And  I  'm  merely  groping 

Through  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
There  is  joy  in  hoping. 


Writin'  music  ain't  for  me. 
I  ain't  strong  on  poetry. 
But  as  on  my  way  I  go 
Through  a  world  of  joy  and  woe 
Amblin'  steadily  along, 
I  can  make  my  life  a  song. 


o?  fjgt  o'  Qut 


r 


21 


THE    PLAY 

I  like  to  think  of  Shakespeare's  line 
That  "  all  the  world 's  a  stage," 

And  we  're  but  actors  in  a  fine 
Old  Drama  of  our  Age. 

It  makes  me  feel  that  when  the  plot 

Too  complicated  seems, 
My  troubles  on  the  whole  are  not 

Much  more  than  passing  dreams. 


THE    SPEEDER 

Croesus  honks  along  the  way 
In  his  motor  bright  and  gay, 
Speeding  at  a  fearful  pace  — 
Strained  the  look  upon  his  face! 

Wonder  if  he  races  on 
Hoping  that  perchance  anon 
Somewhere,  somehow,  he  will  find 
He  has  left  his  cares  behind? 

Better  plodding  on   the   road 
Than  a  car  with  such  a  load! 


o'  Qwr 

Jttocfj  23 


OUT   OF  THE   STORM 


Your  tears  flow  fast  because  of  woe 
That  in  your  heart  you  're  fearing? 
It  matters  not  !     Just  let  them  flow, 
The  rain  falls  hardest,  don't  you  know, 
A  moment  ere  the  clearing? 


i^Dtydtl^eam 


jWartl)  24 


WORK   A-PLENTY 

Time  hangs  heavy  on  your  hands? 

Not  a  thing  to  do  ? 
Boredom  at  your  doorway  stands 

Glowering  at  you? 

Seek  the  highway  with  your  heart 

Filled  with  tenderness 
For  the  vagrom  souls  that  smart 

'Neath  some  bitter  stress. 

You  will  find  a  task  indeed 

Waiting  for  you  there, 
Where  by  acts  of  loving  heed 

You  can  conquer  care. 


DISARMED 


Met  my  enemy  to-day  — 
Wustest  one  I  ever  had. 

Shook  his  hand  in  genial  way; 

Smiled  upon  him  bright  and  gay; 

Nary  bit  did  I  betray 

I  was  on  to  him,  and  say  — 
Gee  !    But  he  was  mad  ! 


26 


A   USELESS    CURE 

The  Sages  say  there  's  cure  for  love 
To  make  a  man  forsake  it. 

By  all  the  stars  that  shine  above 
I  vow  I  '11  never  take  it ! 

Love  's  not  a  plaint,  pray  rest  assured, 

Of  which  a  wise  man  would  be  cured ! 


REFORMERS 


In  trying  to  reform  mankind 
And  cure  him  of  his  sinning 

First  tackle  Self  —  perhaps  you'll  fin 
It  makes  a  tough  beginning! 


o 


28 


WELL    ENOUGH! 

You  pine  for  a  day  that  is  longer  — 
Some  forty-eight  hours,  you  say? 

You  think  you  'd  be  better  and  stronger, 
If  that  were  the  length  of  your  day? 

Not  so !    Why,  dear  friend,  you  'd  be  fifty 
Years  old  when  you  'd  reached  twenty-five. 

Your  legs  would  be  shaky  and  shifty; 
Your  heart  would  be  scarcely  alive. 

It  may  be  I  'm  not  very  sage,  sir, 
But  this  is  the  solemnest  truth: 

I  'd  rather  be  young  in  my  age,  sir, 
Than  old  in  the  prime  of  my  youth ! 


M 


c?  fint  oy  Qmr 

ifWarcf)  29 


IN    RAINY   WEATHER 

When  rains  drench  the  hillside  and  darken 

the  vale, 
And  all  your  good  spirits  grow  weary  and 

fail, 
When  every  bright  prospect  seems  drowning 

in  woe  — 
Pretend  you  're  a  plant,  and  it 's  making  you 

grow! 


*M 


^li^Dm)  o9  tKeyear 

iWarcfj  30 


AN    IMPRESSION 

Thought  I  saw  a  snowflake  falling 

Through  the  air  to-day  — 
It  was  but  a  white  moth  calling: 

"  Spring  is  on  the  way!  " 
More  of  winter  I  was  fearing 

As  it  passed  along. 
But  my  heart  was  shortly  cheering 

With  its  happy  song  — 
Sometimes  troubles  seem  to  call 
That  are  n't  troublesome  at  all ! 


SI  {jnt  o  (fee 


! 


jilattl)  31 


EPITAPH   TO    MARCH 

Here  lies  old  March, 

As  stiff  as  starch. 

He  snowed  a  lot. 

He  blowed  a  lot. 

He  smiled  a  bit. 

He  riled  a  bit  — 

But  in  the  end 

He- was  my  friend, 
Because  of  his  bequest  to  me 
In  days,  all  of  them  blest  to  me 
For  service  and  for  helpfulness 
To  self  and  fellows  in  distress. 


ALL   FOOL'S    DAY 

When  April  comes  with  smiles  or  tears, 
Whiche'er  they  be,  I  have  no  fears. 
I  know  that  when  she  smiles  't  is  best 
To  go  for  rainy  weather  dressed; 
And  when  she  weeps  her  tears  foretell 
A  very  pleasant  sunny  spell  — 
'T  is  not  for  naught  in  wisdom's  schooling 
Her  birthday  's  set  aside  for  fooling ! 


o?  {Ini  o'  (fietr 

april  2 


OMENS 

Can't  ye  see  the  ice-chains  lettin'  go  the  river? 
Can't  ye  feel  the  touch  o'  Springtime  in  the 

shiver? 
Can't  ye  see  the  sunbeams  climbin'  in  your 

room 

In  the  early  mornin',  killin'  off  the  gloom? 
That 's  the  way  with  trouble,  that 's  the  way 

with  care. 

Like  a  wintry  tempest  with  its  icy  snare 
All  will  disappear  in  spite  their  threatenin' 
If  your  heart  you  '11  ope  an'  let  the  sunlight 

in! 


THE    INIMICAL   TRUTH 

When  some  old  foe  of  mine  doth  rise  to  say 
Some  disagreeable  thing  to  raise  a  row, 

I  do  not  grieve  and  give  my  anger  play; 
I  know  full  well  he  means  it  anyhow. 

An  ounce  of  truth  spoke  by  an  enemy 

Is  worth  a  ton  of  friendly  flattery ! 


: 


o?  {jnt  o  (Tmr 

aprtl  4 


THE   JOCUND    MILESTONE 

When  I  am  walking  on  the  Road 

Of  Trouble  or  of  Worry, 
And  feel  the  pressure  and  the  goad 

Of  an  incessant  hurry, 

I  think  of  an  old  milestone  gray 
One  time  I  found  when  lost  on 

An  old  New  England  country  way, 
Which  read:  "  six  SMILES  TO  BOSTON." 

Ah,  that 's  indeed  a  pleasant  thought 

For  those  of  us  who  travel : 
Along  the  Road  of  Pain  there  's  naught 

That  "  Six  Smiles  "  won't  unravel! 


GROWLING 


Feel  like  growlin'  ?    GROWL  !    That 's  right ! 

Take  your  woes  and  list  'em. 
Keep  on  growlin'  day  and  night 
Till  you  Ve  driven  all  the  spite 

Wholly  from  your  system. 


o?  fjM  o'  Qietr 


il  6 


EASTER 

When  the  Easter  bells  are  ringing, 
And  the  early  birds  are  singing, 

Who  can  think  of  care? 
When  the  budding  flowers  are  springing, 
And  their  fragrances  are  flinging 

On  the  silky  air, 
Ope  your  heart  and  sing  away! 
All  your  worries  fling  away! 
Let  the  glad  chimes  ring  away 

Sorrow  and  despair! 


u 


Su&Dmjddity 

apr«7 


REACTIONS 

There  are  lots  of  satisfactions 
In  the  poet's  rhymed  reactions. 
When  he  wants  a  rhyme  for  "  tearful  " 
Nothing  goes  so  well  as  "  cheerful." 
When  he  writes  a  verse  on  "  trouble  " 
Nothing  helps  him  more  than  "  bubble  " 
And  the  phrase  "  a  night  of  sorrow  " 
Plainly  hints  "  a  bright  to-morrow." 
So  with  us,  when  trials  vex  us 
Let  us  think  of  "  solar  plexus," 
And  with  naught  of  hesitation 
Hand  it  to  the  visitation. 


o  Qutr 

il  8 


THE    GAME 

Yes,  the  earth  is  but  a  sphere, 

Round  as  it  can  be, 
Flying  on  year  after  year 

Through  eternity. 
As  for  me,  I  Ve  got  to  take 

What  comes,  woe  and  all; 
If  I  thrive,  or  if  I  break, 

Keep  on  playing  ball ! 
Pleasure,  pain,  or  bliss,  or  care 
May  my  game  be  on  the  square. 


GALA   DAYS 

Now  here  's  a  hint  for  us  this  morn : 
Each  day,  somewhere,  somebody  's  born, 
And  so  of  course  we  can't  gainsay 
Somebody's  birthday  comes  to-day. 

Wherefore,  't  would  be  a  pleasant  plan 

To  make  it  joyous  as  we  can, 

And  celebrate  it  just  as  hearty 

As  though  we  really  knew  the  party ! 


{Inc.  o  (&r 


AS    MIGHT   HAVE    BEEN 


When  things  are  at  Sixes  and  Sevens 
It  cheers  me  to  think,  in  my  bother, 

They  might  be  at  Tens  and  Elevens, 
And  that  is  some  worse  than  the  other 


cacti'Day  d  twjear 


I  find  my  skies 
In  Love's  dear  eyes, 
And  when  they  dim 
With  sorrows  grim 
'T  is  joy  at  least  to  sympathize 


lint  o  (Jiet 


r 


12 


THE    IMMORTAL   THING 

The  ships  of  Troy,  her  gloried  van 

That  sped  the  main  with  pennons  high, 

Have  passed  beyond  the  ken  of  man 
And  in  some  grave  forgotten  lie. 

The  songs  of  Homer,  one-time  sung 
By  minstrels  of  an  ancient  art, 

Still  live,  and  living  rank  among 
The  treasures  of  the  human  heart. 

He  buildeth  best  who  builds  a  song 
To  fill  the  soul  of  man  with  joy. 

Let  song  be  ours,  and  ships  belong 
To  those  who  seek  the  bays  of  Troy ! 


u 


&u$Day  d tfayear 


Sprit  13 


THE    BLUES 

Are  you  blue?    Well,  now,  see  here, 
That 's  no  reason  you  should  mope. 

Skies  are  blue,  and  it  is  clear 

Their  deep  azure  speaks  of  hope; 

Then  the  bluebird  with  his  song 

Pours  out  cheer  the  whole  day  long! 

When  the  blues  come  on,  you  '11  find, 
If  you  '11  try  with  half  a  mind, 
There  are  several  kinds  of  blues 
Lying  round  for  you  to  choose; 
And  your  day  will  be  a  bright  one 
If  you  but  select  the  right  one! 


o?  £int  o  (jfer 

"1J     april  14 


HOIST! 

Mr.  Trouble  called  to-day. 
Met  him  in  a  genial  way. 
Bade  him  take  an  easy-chair, 
Told  him  all  I  knew  of  Care. 

Told  him  how  one  time  a  chap 
Dandled  long  on  Fortune's  lap 
Came  a  cropper  mighty  sad 
Losing  everything  he  had. 

Told  him  what  the  very  poor 
Very  often  must  endure 
From  the  wolves  that  so  beset 
Poverty,  with  pain  and  debt. 

Talked  away  about  distress 
For  two  hours,  more  or  less, 
When  poor  Trouble  with  a  roar 
Plunged  headfirst  out  through  the  door. 


WEALTH 


I  do  not  care  in  wealth  to  shine  — 
I  want  enough  for  me  and  mine, 
With  something  over  in  my  store 
For  the  poor  stranger  at  my  door. 


o'(fe 


r 


16 


WHAT   USE? 

Now  what 's  the  use,  my  friend,  of  hating, 
And  some  pet  enemy  berating? 
Life  's  all  too  short  for  life's  best  laurels, 
Much  less  to  waste  on  empty  quarrels. 
I  find  it  leaves  more  time  for  living 
If  I  begin  each  day  forgiving. 


\&icli(Day  d  t&year 

i3pnl  17 


UNDISMAYED 

He  bent  beneath  care's  heavy  weight  — 
Yet  still  he  walked  with  shoulders  straight ! 
In  soul  appalled  by  debts  piled  high  — 
Hope  still  flashed  brightly  in  his  eye! 
Purse  low,  and  prospects  drear  and  dull  — 
Within  his  heart  beat  strong  and  full, 
And  though  his  path  was  hedged  with  rue 
He  held  his  Courage  firm  and  true! 


ffL  fint  o1  (jfer 


18 


AS   TO   PEDIGREE 

'T  is  fine  to  come  of  famous  pedigree, 
And  boast  a  most  distinguished  family  tree, 
Provided  that  the  tree  is  adding  height, 
And  not  a  shell  to  feed  a  parasite. 

'T  is  sad  to  see  a  relic  of  its  fruit, 
A  stunted  sapling  on  a  noble  root. 
Sometimes  I  think  when  such  come  into  view 
I  'd  rather  be  the  seed  from  which  it  grew. 


Spnl  19 


THE   WORLD 

Sometimes  the  world  's  a  dreary  place, 

And  we  're  inclined  to  doubt  it, 
And  then  the  question  we  must  face: 

What  would  we  do  without  it? 
Upon  the  whole,  despite  its  drear, 
We  should  be  happy  to  be  here, 
And  maybe  when  it  seems  most  sad, 
It 's  up  to  us  to  make  it  glad. 


fint  o*  Qiee 


r 


20 


HOPE   ON,    HOPE    EVER 

What  bodes  your  lack  of  beauty? 

Don't  let  that  vex  your  mind. 
When  True  Love  comes  on  duty 

He  's  almost  always  blind; 
And  many  and  many  a  woman 

Whose  eyes  were  full  of  light, 
Has  doted  on  a  human 

Whose  visage  was  a  sight! 


THE    FAILURE 

Now  failures  are,  as  I  conceive, 
No  things  to  weep  o'er  or  to  grieve, 
But  beacon  lights  to  warn  us  when 
We  sail  too  near  the  rocks  again; 
Or,  better,  spurs  to  urge  us  on 
To  surer  enterprise  anon. 

He  is  a  sage  who  scales  the  heights 
On  failures  made  by  other  wights, 
Provided  in  his  quest  for  pelf 
He  's  not  already  failed  himself; 
And  he  who  has  n't  —  well,  I  guess 
He  '11  never  know  how  sweet  success 
Can  be  to  him  who  from  a  crash 
Emerges  stronger  for  his  smash. 


THE   FOUR   ESSENTIALS 


There  is  no  treasure-trove 

Without  true  Love. 
There  is  no  solid  wealth 

That 's  minus  Health. 
There  's  no  prosperity 

Sans  Sympathy, 
And  Life  itself  's  a  wraith 

If  lacking  Faith. 


ANSWER 


What's  the  good  word? 
Now  that  's  a  phrase  I  truly  love  to  hear, 

And  when  't  is  heard, 
I    always    smile    and    promptly    answer 

"CHEER!" 

It  holds  more  warmth  and  genial  glow 
Than  any  other  word  I  know. 


us 


o?  £nt  o'  Qutr 

april  24 


AS   TO    SELF-MADE    MEN 

I  Ve  met,  O  many  a  self-made  man  — 

I  guess  about  six  hundred  odd; 
But  none  of  them  were  better  than 

The  old-time  species  made  by  God. 
Indeed,  if  I  were  asked  I  'd  say, 

Though  most  were  first-class  imitations, 
The  old-time  pattern  still  holds  sway 

In  spite  of  modern  innovations. 


TRANSFORMATION 


I  Ve  never  found  by  kickin'  yet 
That  I  could  make  a  dry  day  wet; 
But  I  can  make  a  wet  day  fair 
By  puttin'  on  a  smilin'  air. 


Ml 


o?  fine  o'  C&t 


r 


apnl  26 


WORK   FOR   ALL 

What 's  that  sigh  upon  the  wind? 

Some  one  with  a  troubled  mind. 
What's  that  groan  upon  the  street? 

Some  poor  wight  with  weary  feet. 
What's  that  bent  form  on  the  mart? 

Wanderer  with  a  broken  heart. 
Who  's  that  weeping  on  my  stair? 

Some  one  with  a  load  of  care. 
Who  's  that  knocking  at  my  door? 

Only  these,  and  nothing  more. 

And  I  sit  the  whole  day  through 
Wishing  I  had  work  to  do! 


&icfi(Day  d  tfayear 

i3jpril  27 


HELD    FAST 

There  is  a  chap  whose  high  regard 

I  'm  always  going  to  keep. 
I  do  not  care  a  jot  how  hard 

Or  rough  the  path,  or  steep, 
As  long  as  he  believes  I  'm  right 

I  '11  keep  straight  on  the  way 
Despite  the  critics  who  delight 

To  harry  and  to  flay. 

For  if  I  lose  that  chap's  respect 

No  matter  what  I  do, 
My  life  will  be  completely  wrecked, 

And  covered  o'er  with  rue. 
No  praise  of  others  could  atone 

The  loss  of  his  acclaim, 
And  e'en  the  honors  of  a  throne 

Would  hide  a  tinsel  name. 

Who  is  he  ?    Well,  'twixt  you  and  me 
He  is  the  chap  I  daily  see 
O'  mornings  when  it  comes  to  pass 
I  glance  into  my  looking-glass. 


IN  THE  MATTER  OF  GOSSIP 


To  gossip  I  'd  be  more  inclined 

If  so  be  it  were  always  kind. 

What  could  be  sweeter  than  the  labor 

Of  spreading  good  news  of  your  neighbor? 


THE    SILVER   LINING 


When  I  see  my  locks  of  gray 

Getting  grayer  every  day, 
And  I  feel  inclined  to  sigh 
For  my  youth  and  days  gone  by, 

Suddenly  there  comes  a  call  : 

SOME  FOLKS  HAVE  NO  HAIR  AT  ALL  ! 


THE    SURE    ROAD 


The  surest  rud  to  Happiness 
Thet  I  Ve  diskivered  yit 

Is  wantin'  nuthin'  more  ner  less 
Than  what  I  'm  sure  to  git ! 


tixf&ayo  fayta? 

^        J«aj»  I 


MAYTIME 

Dawns  the  May  with  sunny  hours, 
Blossoms  white,  and  fragrant  flowers. 
Morning  air  is  sweet  with  song; 
Nature  smiles  the  whole  day  long; 
And  the  stars  that  shine  by  night 
With  their  soft  and  friendly  light 
Shedding  radiance  through  the  sky 
Bid  us  turn  our  thoughts  on  high. 


Who  can  dwell  on  sorrows  gray 
In  this  glad  time  of  the  May? 


o?  fine,  o'  Qwtr 

|       JlWaj>2 


THE    LIGHT 

All  day,  all  day,  I  follow  the  light, 
O'er  city,  and  hill,  and  dale; 

From  rosy  dawn  to  the  jeweled  night 
I  joy  in  the  golden  trail. 

And  when  at  the  dusk  the  light  runs  on 

And  passes  beyond  my  ken, 
In  Dreamland's  valley  I  rest  anon 

And  find  the  bright  sun  again ; 

Or  if  it  be  that  I  cannot  win 
The  sleep  that  banisheth  care, 

I  turn  my  vigilant  eyes  within, 
And  lo,  the  glad  light  is  there ! 


X 


^fi^ca^  6  tkyear 

fRapS 


THE    GARDEN 

My  heart  and  mind 

I  daily  find 
A  sort  of  fertile  garden  fair, 

Where  I  can  play 

And  work  each  day 
In  hope  of  prizes  rich  and  rare. 

I  have  no  doubt 

If  I  weed  out 
The  thorns  of  malice  and  untruth, 

And  plant  the  seeds 

Of  helpful  deeds, 
I  '11  reap  the  Rose  of  Lasting  Youth 


1A 


o?  £int  o'  Qw, 

4Wap4 


r 


WHAT   EACH    MONTH    BRINGS 

What  each  month  brings  I  '11  keep  within  my 

heart 

And  bid  it  in  my  nature  do  its  part; 
And  as  December  brings  the  joys  of  Yule, 
And  tells  of  Man's  good- will,   and  Love's 

own  rule, 
So  shall  the  May,  with  bird-song  and  with 

flower, 

Transform  the  world  into  a  vernal  bower 
That  rests  at  peace  beneath  a  fragrant  spell, 
And  whispers  to  my  soul  that  all  is  well. 


AA 


NEVER   TOO   LATE 

Let 's  not  be  weeping  in  the  sight  of  wrong, 
Nor  careless  either,  greeting  it  with  song, 
But  if  we  can,  the  minute  that  we  sight  it, 

Hie  forth  and  right  it! 

Or  if  perchance  we  have  no  power  to  end  it 
'T  will  do  no  harm  to  see  if  we  can't  mend  it. 


SCRATCH    'EM! 


Don't  brood  on  fancied  wrongs  —  just  take 

and  scratch  'em. 
By  too  much  brooding  you  may  chance  to 

hatch  'e 


Sncfffiay  dtkyear 

ffla?7 


PROFIT   AND    LOSS 

His  health  was  lost; 

His  wealth  was  lost; 

And  yet  he  gained. 

For  Love  remained 

And  proved  itself 

The  best  of  pelf 

By  standing  by 

When  Care  drew  nigh. 
Life  holds  no  loss,  or  galling  chains, 
Despair  gets  little  for  its  pains 

If  Love  remains! 


o?  (jnt  o'  (Jiet 


r 


FINANCIAL   NOTE 

It  seems  too  bad  thet  I  can't  borrer 

Enough  to  tide  me  o'er  to-day, 
But  when  I  think  o'  thet  to-morrer 

That 's  sure  to  dawn  three  months  away, 
It  .sort  o'  soothes  my  present  sorrer 

To  think  I  shall  not  have  to  pay 
The  sums  I  'd  owe  if  I  could  borrer 

Enough  to  tide  me  o'er  to-day. 


u 


£acFi(Day  ofay  ear 

J«ap9 


BETTER   THAN    WINGS 

'T  were  nice  to  fly 

Up  through  the  sky, 
And  get  away  from  rushing  crowds; 

And  mid  the  roar 

Of  storm  to  soar 
Far  up  above  the  dripping  clouds. 

But  all  the  same, 

I  love  the  game 
Down  on  the  level  of  the  street, 

And  'stead  o'  wings, 

My  spirit  sings 
For  sturdy  legs  and  steady  feet. 


MONEY 

Money  comes,  and  money  goes. 
Where  it  goes  to,  goodness  knows; 
Feeds  us,  clothes  us,  pays  the  rent; 
Sometimes  borrowed,  often  lent; 
Makes  a  pleasant,  jingly  sound; 
Rather  nice  to  have  around. 
But  it  never  kept  a  friend! 
Broken  hearts  't  will  never  mend. 
As  a  substitute  for  Right 
Frequently  it  heaves  in  sight; 
But  it  is  a  substitute 
That  holds  mighty  bitter  fruit. 
Misers  hoard  it;   tyrants  rule 
When  they  use  it  for  a  tool ; 
And  for  want  of  it  the  roar 
Of  the  Wolf  comes  to  the  door. 

I  will  take  all  I  can  get 
Since  it  holds  me  free  of  debt. 
I  '11  respect  it  for  its  power 
To  relieve  some  pressing  hour, 
But  for  worship  —  well,  for  me 
God  forbid  that  that  should  be ! 


18x111)01)  d  tfay ear 


1 


jUlap  II 


A    CHOICE 

If  so  be  you're  inclined  to  jeer 
And  greet  all  things  with  cynic  sneer, 
Remember,  pray,  the  Owl,  whose  hoots 
For  merry  song  he  substitutes; 

Who  hates  the  light, 

And  lives  by  night; 
And  loses  all  the  hours  of  fun 
He  might  be  having  in  the  sun. 

If  you  desire  to  be  an  Owl, 

Why,  go  ahead  and  hoot  and  scowl, 

But  don't  complain  if  through  the  night 

You  miss  the  pleasures  of  the  light. 


r 


12 


THE   TOWN-CRIER 

Now  that 's  a  chap  I  'd  like  to  see 

In  every  last  community. 

A  sort  of  Care-and-Trouble-Keeper, 

A  salaried,  official  Weeper, 

Who  'd  come  around  when  things  were  trying 

And  for  a  small  fee  do  our  crying ! 


Sxti'Dayottieyear 

iflap  13 


THE    BETTER    PLAN 

Some  men  make  memoranda  of  their  foes, 
The  names  of  folks  they  'd  like  to  give  the 

hook; 

But  as  for  me,  along  with  other  woes 
I  hold  their  names,  and  let  my  grouches  doze, 
Hid  in  a  small  "  Forgetterandum  Book." 

The  world  's  been  blest  no  doubt  by  mem- 
ories, 

But  when  the  things  remembered  fail  to 
please, 

Than  Memory  o'er  strong,  't  were  truly 
better 

Were  we  to  cultivate  a  good  Forgetter ! 


OVER   YONDER 

Over  yonder,  over  yonder, 

See  the  toiling  millions  wander 

Seeking  prizes  rare! 
See  them  in  the  depths  of  worry, 
In  the  hurry  and  the  flurry 

Overcome  by  care ! 

Over  yonder,  over  yonder  — 
Is  it  all  worth  while,  I  ponder, 

As  I  'm  sitting  here 
In  the  midst  of  fruitful  labors, 
With  the  love  of  all  my  neighbors 

Filling  me  with  cheer? 

Over  yonder,  over  yonder  — 
Is  it  best  to  go?    I  wonder! 

Golden  is  its  lure, 
But  with  all  its  dangers  lurking 
Would  I  not  be  rather  working 

Where  Love  is  secure? 


5?r/i<Dai/o^feyear> 

ittaplS 


NOW 

I  'm  not  botherin'  my  head 
On  the  troubles  that  have  sped 

Or  may  come. 
On  the  joys  of  Yesterday, 
Or  upon  To-morrow's  way, 

I  am  dumb. 

Yesterdays  or  days  to  be 
They  are  all  the  same  to  me, 

Anyhow. 

I  shall  hold  my  vision  true 
On  the  things  that  I  can  do 

JUST 

RIGHT 

NOW! 


(jQut 


r 


16 


ON   A   RAINY   DAY 

What  though  the  rain  doth  keep  me  in 
And  spoils  to-day  past  any  doubt? 

A  harvest  rich  it  helps  to  win 

And  brings  the  laughing  roses  out. 

So  let  it  fall.  The  passing  showers 
May  serve  to  make  a  present  care, 

But  in  its  train  the  thirsting  flowers 
Will  sweeter  make  the  morning  air. 


COURSE 


No  word  of  wrath  shall  come  from  me 
When  things  go  wrong  upon  my  beat. 

I  '11  hold  my  tongue  from  growling  free 
And  do  my  kicking  with  my  feet  ! 


o?  Ijnt  o'  ffeer 

ddlap  18 


THE   WISE    BIRD 

"  Chirrup!   Chirrup!  "    The  small  bird  sang 

his  song 

The  while  I  brooded  on  some  fancied  wrong, 
And  straightway  from  the  depths  I  turned 

and  steered  up, 
And  as  his  lyric  bade  me  do,  I  cheered  up. 

The  Sage  is  wise,  and  yet  I  never  heard 
More  wisdom  than  I  got  from  that  small 
bird! 


SicK.®®}  o  tfayMf 

4Wap  10 


GARDENING 

Have  you  got  a  garden  where  you  gather 

wealth 
Of  the  kind  that  comes  from  an  abundant 

health? 

There  are  other  gardens  full  of  human  plants 
Waiting  for  the  worker  looking  for  a  chance ! 

Do  you  weed  your  garden,  freeing  it  of  woe 
That  the  tender  blossoms  may  more  freely 

grow? 
There  are  human  blossoms  choking  mid  the 

weeds 
Of   the   stress   of   sorrow,    and   their  daily 

needs ! 

In  the  human  garden  —  that 's  the  place  to 

work! 
That 's    the    place    where    dangers    to    the 

flowers  lurk! 

In  the  city  byways,  in  the  slums  of  dole, 
Where  there  might  be  sprouting  roses  of  the 

soul ! 


o'Qut 


r 


GREETING 

What  you  are  or  where  you  be 
Does  n't  matter  much  to  me. 
If  your  heart  is  heavy  o'er 
Some  distress  you  can't  ignore, 
Here  's  my  hand,  and  all  my  heart, 
Ready  now  to  do  their  part 
In  fraternal  sympathy  — 
Does  n't  matter  what  you  be ! 


EVER   FRIENDLY 

When  comes  some  dull  and  dreary  morn 
When  you  Ve  deserted  and  forlorn, 
By  strangers  all  begirt,  alone, 
With  not  a  friend  to  call  your  own, 
Seek  out  some  breezy  garden-close 
Where  bloom  the  lily  and  the  rose. 
Their  friendly  nod,  so  frank  and  free, 
Will  ease  your  lack  of  company. 


" : :: 


o 


OUT   OF   BONDAGE 

He  rises  most  who  rises  from  his  bond. 
He  bravest  is  who  knoweth  not  despond. 
To  break  the  shackles  of  a  pressing  care 
Calls  for  a  strength  and  for  a  courage  rare, 
And  life  the  sweeter  is  for  all  its  pains 
To  him  who  's  nobly  risen  from  his  chains. 


&cfi(Daydtlieyear 

J«ap23 


THE   SOLAR   SYSTEM 

'T  was  well  arranged  that  on  spring  days 

The  sun  should  very  early  rise 
On  all  the  Maytime  sweets  to  gaze, 

And  on  her  glories  feast  his  eyes; 
The  while  when  things  are  bleak  with  snows, 

As  in  the  winter  is  their  fate, 
He  stays  in  bed  and  warms  his  toes 

Until  an  hour  somewhat  late. 

I  guess  I  '11  make  his  system  mine, 
And  sort  of  doze  in  face  of  Care, 

But  when  there  's  Joy  upon  the  line 
I  '11  early  rise  and  take  my  share. 


COMPARATIVE   DIET 

If  Robin  Redbreast  knows  such  bliss 
On  such  a  diet  as  is  his, 
How  much  more  blissful  is  our  lot 
Upon  the  bill-of-f are  we  Ve  got ! 
If  he  can  sing  his  tooral-ay 
Upon  the  worms  that  come  his  way, 
I  sort  of  think  one  strawberry 
Should  get  an  anthem  out  of  me. 


TEARS 

Now  what  are  tears  but  showers  sent 
To  ease  the  heart  by  sorrows  pent? 
And  what  are  showers  but  the  play 
That  leads  us  to  the  greener  day? 
To  know  them  not,  would  be,  I  fear, 
To  dull  the  sweetness  of  our  cheer, 
And  hold  us  all  unknowing  of 
The  deeper,  hidden  joys  of  Love. 


o?  fjM  0*  (& 

Jflda{>26 


r 


THE   SONG   OF   THE    BROOK 

t 

Ah,  the  little  brooklet!     Merrily  it  sings 

As  its  way  it  windeth  on  to  mightier  things; 

Over  crag  and  bowlder;  through  the  dark- 
ened flume; 

Never  stops  to  murmur  thoughts  of  care  and 
gloom. 

I  will  heed  the  lesson  as  my  path  I  ply, 
Past  the  Crags  of  Sorrow,  'neath  a  darkened 

sky, 
And   with   song   eternal   hold   the    Faith   it 

brings 
That  I  too  am  moving  on  to  mightier  things ! 


Sttli'Day  o  tfayear 


THE    HEART   OF   A    BOY 

I  give  you  my  word  I  am  fifty  to-day, 

And  many  's  the  trouble  that 's  lurked  on  my 

way. 
Misfortune  and  failure  have  each  done  their 

part, 
And  bitter  the  tears  that  have  welled  in  my 

heart. 

But  faith  in  my  God,  and  the  love  of  my  kind, 
And  smiles,  whether  wistful  or  not,  in  my 

mind, 

Have  held  me  at  fifty  as  full  of  true  joy 
As  ever  you  '11  find  in  the  Heart  of  a  Boy! 


\  i 


o?  ^g£  0'  (%er 

4Waj>28 


RENEWAL 

When  overburdened  with  the  cares 

That  all  your  peace  of  mind  destroy, 
Give  up  your  shop  and  all  its  wares 

And  play  that  you  're  once  more  a  boy. 
Go  out  into  some  grassy  track, 

Forget  the  barter  and  the  dollar, 
And  lying  flat  upon  your  back 

Just  whistle,  sing,  or  yell,  or  holler. 

There  's  nothing  helps  us  more  in  ruth 
Than  such  renewals  of  our  youth. 


COMPENSATION 

When  folks  pass  by  and  kind  o*  sniff  and 
sneer 

Becuz  I  hain't  got  inter  high  Society, 
It  sort  o'  fills  my  sperrits  up  with  cheer, 
When  noticin'  the  starchy  duds  they  weer, 
An'  all  their  other  hifalutin'  gear, 

To  think  Society  hain't  yit  got  inter  me ! 


o?  £nt  o' Qwr\ 

jWa?  30      ^^^ 


MEMORIAL   DAY 

Is  there  war  within  your  heart 
With  its  lashing  sting  and  smart, 

Leaving  you  undone? 
Think  of  them  that  bore  their  part 

Back  in  Sixty-one ! 
Do  your  drooping  shoulders  bear 
Crosses  of  such  black  despair? 
Does  your  Spirit  bend  below 
Such  a  weight  of  weary  woe 
As  befell  that  mighty  host 
In  the  din  of  battle  lost? 

For  the  Blue,  and  for  the  Gray, 
Wreathe  your  laurels  on  this  day, 
Thanking  God  your  present  cares 
Hold  no  sorrows  such  as  theirs ! 


WHY  NOT? 


Considerin'  the  loveliness  that  round  about 

us  lies, 
Why  not  dwell  on  the  roses  'stead  o'  cussin' 

out  the  flies? 


o?  ^m£  o' (jfer 

June  I 


RICHES 

Now  Croesus,  he  hath  bonds  and  stocks 
Securely  locked  up  in  his  box; 
And  Dives  hath  no  end  of  lands 
On  which  his  marble  palace  stands; 
And  Midas  hath  a  magic  touch 
That  turns  to  gold  all  he  can  clutch. 

But  when  it  comes  to  sun  and  moon, 
And  all  the  joys  of  dawning  June; 
The  songs  of  birds  in  yonder  tree, 
The  merry  sparkle  of  the  sea; 
And  true  love  always  standing  by  — 
Who  calls  them  wealthier  than  I? 


\£acli(Day  o  tfayear 

fune2 


THE    PROOF 

Do  you  doubt  that  you  shall  be 
Blest  with  Immortality? 

Glance  about  you  at  the  bowers 
Filled  afresh  with  reborn  flowers ! 

Heed  the  leaves  that  reappear 
From  the  death  of  yesteryear! 

Watch  the  grasses  in  the  mirth 
Of  a  glorious  rebirth ! 

Think  you  that  in  God's  great  plan 
New  birth  is  denied  to  Man? 

Man  alone  —  is  he  to  be 
Shorn  of  Immortality? 

'Mid  these  tokens   full  of  cheer 
Does  n't  seem  much  room  for  fear! 


(ine  o'  Qwr 

luneS 


JUST  A   HINT 


When  Trouble  comes  a-howlm  ,  and  a-knock- 

in'  on  your  door, 
Just  worry  all  ye  need  ter,  not  a  single  atom 

more! 


Sune  4 


CONSERVATION 

I  never  give  others  a  piece  o'  my  mind, 
Because  as  I  live  on  I  not  only  find 

That  scolding  don't  pay, 

But  day  after  day, 

Amid  all  the  chaff  and  the  wheat  I  have  sown, 
I  need  all  my  mind  to  fight  faults  of  my  own. 


IN    SORRY   PLIGHT 

To  owe  nobody  anything?    Well,  that  is  not 

for  me ! 
'T  would  take  away,  I  rather  fear,  quite 

half  the  joy  of  life. 
I  like  to  think  of  all  the   debts  in  loving 

sympathy 

I  owe  to  those  whose  tenderness  has  eased 
me  of  my  strife. 

It  brings  a  glow  into  my  heart  to  think  of  all 

I  owe 
To  sturdy  friends,  who,  when  amid  the 

cares  of  life  I  grope, 
Refresh  me  with  their  precious  stores  of  love 

to  kill  my  woe, 

And  for  the  sting  of  sorrow  substitute  the 
sweets  of  hope. 

He  is  indeed  in  friendless  plight  who  hath  no 

creditor 
And  does  not  know  the  joyous  task  of  paying 

off  the  score ! 


\&xli(Day  d  tfayear 

3Tune  6 


1 


THE   VACANT   CHAIR 

Have  you  a  vacant  chair 

Somewhere  ? 
Let  it  be  filled  by  Memory 

With  visions  fair 
Of  scenes  that  used  to  be. 
Within  its  soft  embrace 

Once  more  retrace 
The  well-beloved  form  of  one 
To  other  realms  passed  on. 
Live  o'er  again  the  happy  hours 
That  strew  your  yesterdays  like  flowers 

Along  a  sunlit  way 
That  neither  wither  nor  decay, 

And  bless  that  vacant  chair 
For  standing  there ! 


£int  o  Qittr 

3fune  7 


THE    PEACE   LOVER 

When  there  be  seeds  o'  trouble  'round, 

And  all  the  soil  is  fertile, 
I  never  make  the  slightest  sound, 

But  shut  up  like  a  turtle. 

I  never  cared  for  craps  o'  weeds, 
Ner  fancied  much  the  thistle, 

And  when  it  comes  to  warlike  deeds 
I  think  I  'd  ruther  whistle. 


Sfune  8 


THE   JOY   OF    DISCOVERY 

I  'm  glad  that  I  don't  know  it  all, 

Whichever  way  I  turn. 
I  greatly  fear  that  life  would  pall 

With  nothing  more  to  learn. 

It  brightens  much  the  dreary  way 

To  wonder  what  will  be 
The  brand  new  thing  each  brand  new  day 

In  passing  teaches  me. 


(int  o*  Qwt 

Suite  9 


SOME   COMFORT 


Folks  complain  I  hain't  done  nothin',  and 
perhaps  they  're  right,  by  Gum! 

But  I  Ve  never  done  nobody,  and  I  guess 
that  's  goin'  some  ! 


AN  OBSERVATION  BY  THE  WAY 


I  Ve  noticed  as  I  Ve  passed  along 
Amid  life's  rush  and  flurry, 

That  anger  never  righted  wrong, 
And  care  grows  fat  on  worry. 


d 


o?  £nt  o  Qmr 

fune  1 1 


THREE   WISHES 

If  some  good  fairy  came  to  me 
And  said  she  'd  grant  me  wishes  three, 
I  'd  make  the  first  "  a  heart  a-thrill 
With  pity  for  my  neighbor's  ill  "; 
The  second,  "  strength  to  do  my  part 
To  bring  peace  to  his  troubled  heart  " ; 
And  third  that  "  I  should  have  the  mind 
To  be  of  service  to  my  kind." 

I  would  not  ask  for  love  or  gold, 
Or  laurels  woven  for  the  bold, 
For  in  that  sort  of  human  pelf 
I  'd  rather  win  them  for  myself. 


Atf 


fatiftqy  d  tfayeaf 

STune  12 


a 


DOWN    BRAKES! 

Now  don't  go  pushing  Time  too  fast! 

Why  should  you  wish  your  days  to  hum? 
You  '11  find  youth  all  too  soon  has  passed, 

And  hoary-headed  age  hath  come. 

Let  days  run  slow  as  e'er  they  please, 
And  thank  your  stars  they  linger  on. 

Who  lives  too  quickly  seldom  sees 

Their  sweetness  till,  alas,  they  're  gone ! 


£JL  Qw.  o  (jfer 

3Tune  13 


FISHING 

All  the  world  's  a  fishin'  pool, 
And  within  its  waters  cool 

Lie  all  sorts  of  fishes. 
We  can  catch  most  any  kind 
That  is  suited  to  our  mind 

'Cordin'  to  our  wishes. 

We  can  land  a  mess  o'  woe 
Any  time  we  wish  to  go 

After  trouble  anglin'. 
We  can  land  no  end  of  care 
In  the  waters  everywhere 

On  the  hooks  of  wranglin'. 

We  can  fill  our  basket  up 

Like  an  overflowin'  cup  * 

With  a  mess  beguiling 
If  we  bait  our  fishin'-hooks 
With  good  cheer,  and  pleasant  looks, 

Sympathy  and  smilin'. 


•• 


S^cli^m)  d  tK^year 

3Fune  14 


WRINKLES   AND   WRINKLES 

There 's   wrinkles,    and   wrinkles,    and   still 

other  wrinkles, 
Some  coming  from  frowns  and  some  coming 

from  twinkles ; 
Let  mine  be  the  kind  when  old  age  cometh 

by 
That  show  a  warm  heart  through  the  depths 

of  the  eye ! 


Qnt  o'  (jfer 

fune  15 


COMING 

I  Ve  never  seed  a  mornin'  yit 
When  I  expected  nothin* 

Thet  if  I  'd  jest  git  up  an'  git 
Has  failed  to  bring  me  suthin'. 

Does  n't  really  matter  who  yer 

Are,  there  's  suthin'  comin'  to  yer! 


£acti(DaydtKeyMr 

SFune  16 


THE   JOY   OF    GIVING 

Who  's  never  known  the  joy  of  giving 
Has  never  known  the  bliss  of  living. 
It  matters  not  the  style  of  gift; 
A  bit  of  gold  to  ease  some  shift, 
Or  just  a  smile,  a  sunny  rift 
Of  sympathy,  some  care  to  lift 

From  shoulders  worn  and  bending; 
Some  little  act  befriending; 

A  gentle  whack 
f        Upon  the  back 
To  hearten  up  some  troubled  wight 
Whose  steps  have  wandered  from  the  light 
These  all  are  gifts  well  worth  the  giving 
For  those  who  seek  the  joy  of  living. 
Just  go  some  day 
Upon  the  quiet 
Out  on  the  way 

My  friend,  and  try  it ! 


us 


o?  [mt  o  (peer 

3Fune  17 


A    SOVEREIGN    REMEDY 

When,  tossing  on  my  couch  at  night, 
Old  Worry  comes  my  rest  to  ruin, 

I  stare  at  him  with  all  my  might 

And  tell  him  that  "  There  's  nothin'  doin'." 

"  I  'm  very  busy  now,"  I  say. 

"  To  put  you  off  fills  me  with  sorrow; 
But  you  must  come  some  other  day  — 

Say  ten  o'clock,  perhaps,  to-morrow?  " 

I  find  that  by  this  style  of  chaffing 
It  is  n't  long  before  I  'm  laughing, 
And  when  he  sees  my  smiling  lips 
Why  then,  of  course,  old  Worry  skips. 


&icfi(Day  o  tfayear 

"S  une  18 


A    PHILOSOPHIC   VIEW 

I  have  n't  a  horse  or  a  motor-car, 

Nor  even  an  old-time  bike, 
But  I  Ve  got  two  legs  that  carry  me  far 

Whenever  I  wish  to  hike; 
And  I  Ve  noticed  this,  as  my  way  I  peg 

On  over  my  destined  course: 
There  's  never  a  man  who  would  swap  one  leg 

For  motor,  or  bike,  or  horse ! 


THINKING 


GLADNESS 


Who  thinks  December  all  the  day 
Will  find  life's  road  a  cheerless  way; 
But  he  whose  mind  is  pinned  to  June 
Will  traverse  meadows  lit  by  noon. 


If  so  you  doubt  this  little  rhyme, 
Try  thinking  roses  for  a  time  ! 


\8ufi  ©m/o 


3fune  20 


A   THREAT 

I  Jm  going  to  seek  my  foe  to-day, 
And  when  I  meet  him  on  the  way, 
No  matter  who  is  with  him  there, 
With  head  held  high  up  in  the  air, 
I  '11  take  the  glove  from  off  my  fist 
To  give  free  play  unto  my  wrist, 
And  then,  as  face  to  face  we  stand, 
I  '11  —  offer  him  my  outstretched  hand 


£ine  0'  Qut 

3Tune  21 


TEMPER 


To  lose  their  temper  now  and  then 
Can  do  small  hurt  to  angry  men, 
Provided  't  is  not  found  again. 
Lost  temper  's  worth  quite  all  it  cost 
If  it  will  stay  forever  lost. 


SILENCE 


I  met  an  enemy  fierce  to-day, 
And  he  cussed  me  out  till  my  hair  turned 
gray; 

But  my  heart  is  light 

As  I  think  to-night 
Of  the  things  I  thought  and  did  n't  say  ! 


o?  4^  °'  0^r 


STune  23 


AN    OBSERVATION 

I  Ve  noticed  in  getting  along  on  the  track, 
In  seeking  life's  laurels  and  premiums  high, 

A  man  can  do  more  with  a  slap  on  the  back 
Than  ever  he  does  with  a  punch  on  the  eye. 

It  makes  little  matter  the  style  of  the  cribs 
You  set  out  to  crack  in  the  face  of  your 

foes; 

More  prizes  will  come  from  a  dig  in  the  ribs 
Than  ever  were  won  by  a  whack  on  the 
nose. 

In  public,  in  private,  whatever  your  field, 
Wherever  you  labor,  in  hamlets  or  towns, 

A  far  richer  profit  life's  harvests  will  yield 
To    mortals    whose    smilings    outnumber 
their  frowns. 


NEVER   MIND! 


When  troubles  blare 
I  always  find 

It  pays  to  care, 
And  not  to  mind. 


/Jne-o'O&e 


r 


25 


A   TREASURY 

'There  is  a  spot  within  my  heart 
That  I  have  set  with  care  apart, 
Wherein  each  day  it  pleases  me 
To  store  some  pleasant  memory. 

And  hence  it  is,  when  days  are  gray, 
I  go  as  lightly  on  my  way 
As  though  I  had  a  private  sun 
To  draw  upon ! 


Sxli'Day  d  t&year 

3Tune  26 


WORKING   IT   OUT 

Got  a  grouch  on  somebody? 

Go  out  in  the  wood. 
Pick  out  some  old  sturdy  tree, 

Give  it  to  him  good. 

Speechify  the  things  you  'd  say 

If  the  chap  was  there. 
Pile  it  on  in  fiery  way 

Fit  to  scorch  his  hair. 

Roar  and  ramp,  and  tear  around; 

Go  it  good  and  hot. 
Fill  the  air  with  wrath  and  sound, 

Sending  him  to  pot. 

Then  when  later  he  comes  by 
Meet  him  with  a  twinkling  eye, 
And  with  cheery  greeting  say, 
"Howdy  do,  to-day?" 


Ifi 


fali®(y  o  tfayear 

3fune  28 


FELLOWSHIP 

I   have  n't   much  money  to   help   out   your 

care  — 
I  need  all  I  Ve  got,   and  there  's  little   to 

spare; 
But  if  't  will  help  out  when  your  troubles 

look  black 
Just  count  upon  me  for  a  slap  on  the  back ! 


&5 


ffL  [int  o  Qutr 

fune  29 


THE   ACCOUNTING 

May  I  be  like  a  sturdy  tree 

That  steadfast  stands,  whate'er  may  be; 

Aspiring  to  the  starry  heights, 

With  ne'er  a  thought  of  days  or  nights, 

Save  as  they  bring  me  growth  and  mind 

To  be  of  service  to  my  kind. 

And  at  the  last,  if  so  I  fall, 
And  reach  the  hour  that  comes  to  all, 
When  the  accounting  must  be  made 
Of  all  my  deeds,  may  it  be  said 
None  ever  needed  to  be  hid, 
And  what  I  could  do,  that  I  did! 


some  one  - 
matter  for  whom 

t  's  over, 
bumblebee  feels 
clover ! 


If  there  's  trouble  comin'  to  yer, 
Let  me  wish  yer  Happy  New  Ye'r 
There  's  no  reason  really  why 
You  can't  start  one  in  July. 
As  for  me,  I  go  my  way 
Startin'  new  years  every  day. 


KINDLY 


Rhyme  bids  us  in  our  troubles 
To  think  of  them  as  "  bubbles  " 
And  when  we  meet  despair 
To  pause  right  there  and  "  share 
And  that  's  why  I  'm 
In  love  with  rhyme  ! 


o 


r 


i 


NO   TIME 

I  have  n't  the  time  for  the  deeds  of  love 

I  really  would  like  to  do. 
I  have  n't  the  days  for  the  treasure-trove 

Of  ambitions  high  and  true. 

I  have  n't  the  years  for  the  service  great 
I  dreamed  in  the  days  of  youth; 

And  so  I  have  n't  the  time  to  hate 
When  the  goal  I  seek  is  truth. 


facli'DqydtKjtyear' 

3Tulp4 


A   DECLARATION 

To-day  they  say 

Is  Independence  Day, 
And  I  for  one  am  going  to  celebrate 
With  declarations  of  my  free  estate 

From  tyrannies  I  hate : 
I  'm  going  to  throw  off  evil  passion's  yoke, 
And  join  the  ranks  of  those  untrammeled  folk 
Who  Ve  freed  themselves  from  fear  and  use- 
less care, 

From  slavish  selfishness ;  and  loosed  the  snare 
Of  captiousness,  suspicion,  cynic  sneers; 
Of  pessimistic  jibes  and  scornful  jeers. 

A  Freeman  henceforth  I, 

Beneath  a  smiling  sky 

That  sings  of  love,  and  hope,  and  confidence 
In  all  men's  good  intent  and  God's  benefi- 
cence ! 


o?  fine  o'  Qutr 

3tal?5 


TOO  GOOD  TO  LEAVE 

When  you  Ve  grown  weary  of  this  life, 
And  would  escape  its  dreary  strife, 
Just  pause  and  think  of  how  you  'd  run 
If  some  one  chased  you  with  a  gun ! 

At  worst  you  '11  find  it  still  so  good 
You  would  not  leave  it  if  you  could. 


ea 


THIS    FUNNY   WORLD 

"  It  Js  funny,"  said  I,  as  I  growled  away, 
"  How  all  seems  possessed  to  go  wrong  to- 
day." 

"  If  that  is  the  case,"  said  my  Better  Half, 
"  And    it 's    really    funny,    why    don't    you 
laugh?" 

And  I  —  I  laughed  at  her  little  conceit, 
And    a    lemony    world    straightway   turned 
sweet. 


SL  [mt  o*  Qwr 


WHAT'S   THE    USE? 

Now  what 's  the  use  o'  worryin'  becuz  ye  can- 
not see 

Your  way  to  bein'  suthin'  thet  ye  was  n't 
meant  to  be? 

The  clam  can't  be  a  billionaire,  a  saddle- 
horse,  or  ram; 

He  cannot  be  a  marmalade,  an  omelette,  or 
a  ham; 

He  cannot  be  a  candidate,  a  rose,  or  pillow- 
sham, 

But  don't  ye  see  thet  he  can  be  a  derned  fine 
clam? 


IDLENESS    AND    LEISURE 


A  goodly  part  of  man's  distress 
Arises  from  sheer  idleness; 
While  victory,  in  fairish  measure, 
Comes  from  a  proper  use  of  leisure. 


'T  would  helpful  be  if  all  men  knew 
The  difference  between  the  two. 


o?  [int  o*  Qut 

ful?9 


r 


A   CONTRAST 

When  you   feel  you  're  out,   and  you   fear 

you  're  down, 

And  your  outlook  's  dark,  and  your  friends 
all  frown, 

Just  turn  your  gaze 
On  the  child  who  plays 
On  a  sun-baked  fire-escape  in  town! 

I  miss  my  guess  when  you  see  that  tot 
If  your  woes  don't  seem  but  a  trifling  lot! 


SMffflcy  6  tlvtyear 

3fulf  10 


FORBEARANCE 

His  voice  was  sharp,  his  notes  were  flat, 
But  just  the.  same,  for  all  of  that, 
He  'd  song  within,  and  there  's  no  doubt 
That  though  't  was  harshly  gotten  out, 
And  most  unpleasant  to  the  ear, 
His  main  intent  was  simple  cheer. 
Hence  I  decided  to  forgive 
And  let  the  poor  old  fellow  live. 
No  use  to  judge  a  mortal's  heart 
By  his  unhappy  lack  of  art! 


[jnt  o'  Qut 

ful?  11 


r 


THE   EVER-NEW 

It  may  be  there  's  nothing  new  under  the  sun. 
It  may  be  the  great  deeds  are  all  of  them 

done. 

But  nevertheless  there  is  plenty  to  do 
In  making  the  old  things  all  over  anew  — 
To  bring  a  new  strength  to  the  arm  of  the 

weak; 
To  bring  a  new  warmth  to  the  heart  that  is 

bleak; 

To  bring  a  new  outlook  to  those  in  despair; 
To  bring  a  new  joy  to  the  spirit  in  care; 
To  bring  a  new  dawn  to  those  shrouded  in 

night; 
To  bring  a  new  faith  to  souls  lost  to  the 

light  — 
Were  deeds  quite  as  great  as  the  deeds  that 

were  done 
When  something  lay  new  in  the  path  of  the 

sun, 

And,  old  tho'  they  be,  are  as  fair  to  achieve 
As  ever  the  love  Adam  offered  to  Eve ! 


5ir/iCb/ o  ^yeaf 

STulp  12 


LEND   A   HAND 

If  you  cannot  lend  a  dollar  to  some  chap  who 
cannot  pay, 

If  you  cannot  place  a  quarter  or  a  dime  at  his 
command, 

You  can  help  him  meet  his  troubles  in  a  very 
simple  way: 

Lend  a  hand!    Lend  a  hand! 

If  he 's   trembling  on  the   verges   of   some 
moral  precipice, 

Or  is  facing  some  temptation  you  are  sure  he 
can't  withstand, 

There  's  a  loan  perhaps  will  save  him  from 
his  ruin,  and  it 's  this: 

Lend  a  hand!    Lend  a  hand! 

Or  perhaps  he  's  gone  the  limit,  and  is  hope- 
less in  his  dole  — 

Down  and  out,  a  moral  wreck  amid  the  drift- 
wood of  the  strand  — 

It  is  then  his  need  is  greatest  —  for  the  com- 
fort of  his  soul, 

Lend  a  hand!     Lend  a  hand! 


A   LITTLE    CHAT 

Said  I  to  Myself:  "  I  can't  believe 
The  thing  I  can't  understand!  " 
Hold  on,"  said  Myself,  "  and  by  your 

leave 

Let 's  take  this  matter  in  hand: 
Do  you  understand  how  the  sun  became 
A  daily  torch  full  of  luminous  flame 
To  lead  the  old  world  from  the  depths  of 

night 

Out  into  a  glorious  realm  of  light? 
Do  you  understand  whence  the  stars  were 

borne? 

From  out  of  what  void  the  world  was  torn, 
Or  whither  it  goes  on  its  whirling  race 
Through  the  uttermost  lengths  of  an  endless 

space? 

Do  you  comprehend  in  the  smallest  part 
The     fathomless     depths     of 


woman  s 


heart  — 


Hold  on!  "  cried  I  to  Myself.     "  Hold 


on 


My    faith  's    returned,    and   my   doubt    is 


gone 


&rftDai/0' 


14 


THE    CERTAINTY 

Sometimes  I  cannot  see 

How  ills  are  good  for  me, 

And  't  is  my  groaning  plaint 

Most  often  that  they  ain't. 

But,  all  the  same,  no  chill, 

No  bit  of  Fortune's  ill, 

In  all  this  world  of  flurryin' 

Was  ever  cured  by  worryin' ; 

And  when  thro'  dark  we  're  gropin' 

More  light  will  come  from  hopin' 

Than  ever  came  from  mopin'  1 


T 


15 


JUST   FOR  TO-DAY 

I  'm  going  to  give  up  sneerin* ; 
I'  m  going  to  give  up  jeerin'; 
I  'm  going  to  give  up  sniffing 
And  let  all  "  Ifs  "  go  whiffin', 

Just  for  to-day. 

I  'm  going  to  give  up  "  tutting, 
Let  all  my  "  Buts  "  go  butting, 
And  try  a  course  o'  smilin' 
To  see  what  things  beguilin' 

Come  o'er  my  way. 


OUT   OF   THE    DARK 

I  Ve  seen  a  field  by  sunshine  so  oppressed 
That  all  therein  seemed  withered  and  dis- 
tressed, 

And  then  a  big  black  storm-cloud  coming  by 
Obscuring  all  the  beauty  of  the  sky 
Has  left  in  passing  on  that  selfsame  scene 
A  vision  freshly  lovely  and  serene! 

No   morals   come   from   Nature  —  so    they 

say  — 
But  as  for  me,  I  find  them  every  day! 


{int  o'  (fiee 


r 


17 


LONELINESS 

Alone?     Well,  even  solitude  is  good 

If  it  be  rightly  used  and  understood. 

A  man  I  know  had  never  known  himself 

Until  at  last  he  lay  upon  the  shelf, 

And   from  that  moment  turned  his  talents 

loose, 
And  saw  his  way  to  make  himself  of  use. 


Sxfi'Day  d  thyear 

f  ulp  18 


THE   TREE 

I  rather  like  a  tree 

For  company. 

It  gives  me  all  it  has  to  give : 
The  comfort  of  its  shade,  and  helps  me  live 
Contented  with  my  lot 

In  just  that  spot 
Where  circumstance  decrees  that  I  remain; 

And  makes  it  plain 
That  growth  does  not  depend  on  change  of 

scene, 

But  on  a  temper,  sturdy  and  serene, 
To  make  the  best  of  things  that  lie 

Nearby; 

My  goal  not  fixed,  but  ever  upward  to 
The  glorious  and  everlasting  blue. 


ifi 


ffL  £ine  o'  Qutr 

STutp  19 


THE    LITTLE    SONG 

When  trouble  came  and  skies  were  drear, 
Although  his  soul  was  filled  with  fear, 
His  heart  within  would  softly  croon 
A  sort  of  cheerful  little  tune: 

Tara-diddle,  tara-diddle,  tara-diddle-deee. 

No  matter  what  the  trouble  there 
It  helped  him  over  his  despair  — 
That  little  song  within  his  heart, 
Devoid  though  it  might  be  of  art: 

Tara-diddle,  tara-diddle,  tara-diddle-deee. 

"  No  man,"  quoth  he,  "  can  really  mope 

And  find  himself  bereft  of  hope, 

If  only  as  he  walks  along 

He'll  hum  that  simple  little  song: 

Tara-diddle,  tara-diddle,  tara-diddle-deee.'* 

So  all  together!     Let  it  ring! 
Join  in  the  chorus,  all,  and  sing. 
Start  with  a  will  each  new-born  day 
With  this,  his  care-dispelling  lay: 

Tara-diddle,  tara-diddle,  tara-diddle-deee. 


8ncf$)ay  o  $$&& 

3TuI?  20 


SOMEBODY    SOMEWHERE 

Sometime  when  you  're  thinkin'  that  nobody 

loves  yer, 
And  life  's   kind   o'    chilly,    and   every   one 

shoves  yer, 
Jest  take  for  your  comfort  this  hint  I  send 

to  yer: 
There  's  Somebody  somewhere  as  would  if 

they  knew  yer! 


o?  {irt£  o  Qietr 

fulp  21 


WEALTH 

I  dreamed  last  night  that  I  had  stores  of 

gold  untold, 
And  toward  my  fellow-men  turned  mien  so 

cold 

They  fled  away,  and  left  me  to  myself 
In  a  forlorn  enjoyment  of  my  pelf; 
And  'stead  of  joy  amid  that  golden  dower 
I   found  the  prospect  drab,    and  chill,   and 

sour. 

I  came  to  hate  the  dross,  and  when  the  dawn 
Awoke  me,  I  rejoiced  to  find  it  gone, 
And  in  its  place  the  truest  kind  of  wealth: 
The   love   of   all   my   neighbors    and   good 

health. 


22 


THE    HURDY-GURDY   MAN 

The  Hurdy-Gurdy  Man  some  folks  despise, 
But  as  for  me,  when  darkened  are  my  skies 
Much  more  than  once  some  tuneful  little  air 
From  out  his  barrel-organ  's  eased  my  care; 
And  I  Ve  rejoiced  that  he  hath  come  along 
To  soothe  a  grinding  woe  with  grinding  song. 


PROBLEMS 

Which  came  the  first,  the  chicken  or  the  egg? 
That  is  a  question  I  shall  always  beg. 
I  never  vex  my  mind  with  points  like  that, 
But  like  a  man  of  appetite  stand  pat. 
Come  as  they  may,  Egad,  I  'm  nothing  loth 
To  sit  me  straightway  down  and  eat  'em 
both. 

We  'd  all,  I  think,  be  happier  than  kings 
Were   we   to   worry   not   o'er   unimportant 
things ! 


Sxcli'Day  d  tkywr 

fulp  24 


EACH    TO    ITS    OWN 

Because  I  cannot  fly 
No  angry  grouch  have  I ; 

To  birds  I  '11  leave  the  air; 
And  joy  that  on  the  street 
Two  fairly  nimble  feet 

Will  take  me  anywhere. 

You  '11  never  see  me  weep 
Because  I  cannot  sweep 

The  depths  as  fishes  free. 
To  them  I  '11  leave  the  seas 
And  all  that  in  them  is; 

The  water  's  not  for  me ! 

But  here  upon  the  land, 
With  sweets  on  every  hand, 

Contented  with  my  lot, 
I  '11  take  what  comes  my  way 
And  thank  God  every  day 

For  troubles  I  have  not. 


o?  (int  o'  Qittr 

f  ulp  25 


AS   TO   OWNING   THE   EARTH 

Sometimes  I  'd  like  to  own  the  earth, 

And  then  the  notion  strikes  my  bonnet 
'T  would  cost  far  more  than  it  were  worth 

To  have  to  pay  the  taxes  on  it. 
And  on  the  whole  I  deem  it  best 

Instead  of  toiling  hard  to  win  it, 
To  play  I  'm  just  a  welcome  guest 

Enjoying  all  the  good  that's  in  it. 


TIME-KILLERS 


o?  (me.  o'  (Jwr 

3Fulp  27 


THE   GOLDEN    MOMENTS 

The  dawn  flings  down  a  store  of  gold 
As  wealth  for  him  to  have  and  hold 
Who  makes  each  moment  on  its  way 
Serve  some  need  of  the  passing  day. 
A  day  's  not  long,  but  when  it 's  reckoned 
Not  by  the  hour,  but  by  the  second, 
It  makes  a  mighty  goodly  store 
For  getting  things  worth  working  for. 
In  thousands,  eighty-six  are  there, 
With  just  four  hundred  more  to  spare ! 


STulp  28 


NO    EXCEPTION 

The  flowers  fade  and  pass  away 
And  then  return  another  day, 
And  fade,  and  pass,  and  as  before 
Come  back  to  life  and  joy  once  more; 
In  all  of  which  I  seem  to  see 
The  proof  of  Immortality. 
It  cannot  be  in  Nature's  school 
Man  's  an  exception  to  the  rule. 


ffL 


o'Qiee 

29 


r 


FAITH    AND   THE   FUTURE 

The  thing  that  always  puzzles  me 
Is  how  this  old  world  came  to  be, 
And  yet  it  helps  me  hold  a  good 
Full  faith  in  things  not  understood. 

As  for  the  future,  there  's  no  knowing, 
But  all  the  same  I  'm  glad  I  'm  going; 
And  when  the  waves  to  come  I  'm  breasting 
I  'm  sure  I  '11  find  it  interesting. 


Hain't  got  half  the  time  we  need, 
Friend  o'  mine,  fer  bein'  glad, 

So  I  sort  o'  guess  that  we  'd 
Better  quit  a-gettin'  mad, 
And  bein'  sad. 

Don't  ye  think  we  better  had? 


{jnt  o'  (Jutr 


VACATION 


THOUGHT 


Of  all  the  hard  tasks  I  Ve  ever  done 
The  hardest  I  ever  knew 

Is  lookin'  around  to  find  the  fun 
In  nothin'  at  all  to  do. 


Sicii'Day  d  tfaywr 

august  I 


AUGUST 

Now  comes  a  span  of  rare  delights 
In  gracious,  star-eyed,  summer  nights, 
And  tropic  days  that  lure  us  far 
From  where  the  busy  markets  are, 
And  bid  us  joy  in  earth  and  sky, 
With  all  the  gifts  of  Nature  nigh: 
The  woodlands  peaceful,  leafy  lanes, 
The  meadows  lush  with  ripening  grains; 
The  music  of  the  laughing  rills, 
The  noble  beauty  of  the  hills; 
The  heavens  blue,  the  silky  air, 
And  rest  apart  from  scenes  of  care. 


c?  £int  o'  Qittr 

<3usust  2 


A   CURE 

Can't  smile,  my  friend,  because  you  're  blue? 
Well,  here  's  a  little  hint  for  you : 
Look  on  the  heavens  for  awhile; 
The  bluer  they,  the  more  they  smile! 
When  trouble  overtakes  you,  why 
Pretend  you  're  just  a  bit  of  sky, 

And  do 

As  it  does  when  it's  blue; 
Look  down  on  trouble  and  despair 
As  calm  as  though  they  were  not  there ! 


|<M©m/0'&year 


MY    SERVITORS 

When  so  the  sun  shines  on  my  way 
And  warms  my  path  through  all  the  day, 
Or  when  some  tree  with  grateful  shade 
Its  service  at  my  feet  hath  laid; 
Or  when  some  river  bears  me  on 
Into  some  harbor,  and  anon 
The  moon  and  stars  come  forth  at  night 
To  furnish  me  with  needed  light, 
And  as  in  dreams  at  rest  I  lie 
Some  zephyr  sings  its  lullaby  — 
What  just  complaint  can  mine  e'er  be 
With  such  attendants  serving  me? 


(ine  o  (jfe 


r 


CONTRASTS 

Beside  my  rose  a  thistle  grew. 

Into  my  joys  there  entered  rue. 

The  rose  seemed  sweeter,  and  more  fair, 

Contrasted  with  the  thistle  there, 

And  strange  to  say,  my  joys  likewise 

Seemed  deeper,  seen  through  tearful  eyes. 


PRIDE    IN    HUMILITY 


I  'm  but  a  cog  in  life's  vast  wheel 
That  daily  makes  the  same  old  trip 

Yet  what  a  joy  it  is  to  feel 

That  but  for  me  the  wheel  might  slip 


'T  is  something  after  all  to  jog 
Along  and  be  a  first-class  cog 


o?  QM  o  (fer 

August  6 


SINGING    SWEET 

The  birds  are  singing  in  the  wood 
Because  they  feel  that  life  is  good, 
And  not  a  hint  of  care  or  wrong 
Disturbs  the  sweetness  of  their  song, 
Though  cares  and  wrongs  they  doubtless  find, 
Each  one  according  to  his  kind. 

For  me,  as  on  my  way  I  plod 
Through  wooded  paths  that  must  be  trod 
With  distant  prizes  to  be  won 
Beyond  the  glow  of  setting  sun,' 
Despite  the  vast  perplexities 
That  everywhere  one  looks  one  sees, 
'Spite  heavy  heart,  and  leaden  feet, 
May  I  too  keep  my  singing  sweet! 


<&f/iCb/ o  &ymr 

augustf  7 


THE  FRIEND  UNCHANGEABLE 

Long  years  ago  when  I  was  but  a  lad, 
Once  hurt  and  suffering,  in  spirit  sad, 
I  chose  for  friend  a  star  up  in  the  blue 
And  in  its  kindly  smile  forgot  my  rue. 
The  years  have  passed  and  friends  have  come 
and  gone. 

I  Ve  tasted  joy,  and  passed  through  seasons 

wan. 
Things  counted  on  have  failed  me,  and  in 

tears 
I  Ve  tried  to  drown  my  sorrows  and  my 

fears. 

But  all  the  while,  in  happiness  or  pain; 
In  moments  of  success,  or  efforts  vain, 
That  kindly  star,  unchangeable  as  truth, 
Has  stood  my  friend,  as  in  the  days  of  youth. 


o?  fine.  °'  Qwr 

August  8 


LILIES 

A  lily  in  a  window  stood 

And  looked  out  on  the  multitude. 

A  child  upon  the  pavement  raised 
Upon  the  lily's  beauty  gazed. 

I  looked  upon  them  both  and  thought 
Of  pure  souls  in  such  currents  caught, 

And  straightway  set  about  to  save 
The  twain  from  perils  of  the  pave. 

And  now  I  find  a  store  of  cheer 
From  out  that  deed  of  yesteryear: 

The  child,  a  sturdy  human  he ! 
The  flower  a  precious  memory! 


august  9 


ON   A   WARM    DAY 

Yes,  it 's  pretty  hot  to-day, 
And  my  strength  is  waning. 

I  don't  like  it,  I  must  say, 
But  I  'm  not  complaining. 

For  you  see  a  wish  I  made 
When  the  snows  were  flying 

Now,  though  overlong  delayed, 
Nature  's  gratifying. 

Wished  warm  weather  'd  come  along 

Back  in  February. 
Now  I  Ve  got  it,  good  and  strong  — 

How  our  wishes  vary ! 


o?  (mt  o  Qittr 

Sfugust  10 


I 


THE   GREATEST   JOYS 

Amid  our  sunny  hours 
In  quiet,  fragrant  bowers, 

Where  roses  bloom, 
And  happy  birds  are  singing 
Their  measures  sweetly  ringing, 

Dispelling  gloom, 

Let 's  not  forget  those  others  — 
The  Children  of  our  Brothers 

In  cities  gray, 

Where  trouble,  toil,  and  sorrow, 
Are  found  to-day,  to-morrow, 

As  yesterday. 

The  greatest  joys  of  living 
Are  found  in  freely  giving, 

And  paying  heed 
Out  of  our  present  treasure 
In  full  and  lavish  measure 

To  them  in  need. 


\M<Daydth>yt 

august  n 


SAVORLESS 

My  diet 's  largely  bread  and  cheese, 
And  water  is  the  wine  I  quaff; 

My  notion  of  a  life  of  ease 

Is  now  and  then  to  sit  and  laugh. 

Yet  have  I  seen  men  highly  crowned, 
Men  feted,  courted,  sought  by  kings, 

Who,  'spite  of  laurels  so  renowned, 
Could  not  enjoy  these  simple  things. 

Fame  's  very  sweet,  and  all  of  that, 
And  with  it  doubtless  comes  delight; 

But  after  all  life  's  rather  flat, 
If  one  has  lost  one's  appetite! 


o?  [int  o'  Qietr 

august  12 


REJUVENATION 

To  rise  at  dawn  with  no  one  else  about; 
To  tip-toe  slyly  off,  all  bare  of  shoes; 
To  make  the  wood  re-echo  with  my  shout; 
To  wade  the  meadows  lush  with  dripping 

dews; 

To  plunge  head  first  into  some  limpid  pool ; 
To  lie  upon  some  bank  and  scan  the  skies, 
Rejoicing  in  the  early  breezes  cool, 
Forgetting  all  but  what  around  me  lies  — 
In  short,  to  leave  behind  the  stress  and  care 
Of  worldly  complications  with  their  pain, 
And  spurred  to  song  by  drafts  of  morning  air 
Just  for  a  time  become  a  boy  again! 

Ah,  what  a  plan  in  seasons  of  distress 
To  ease  the  soul  of  all  its  weariness, 
And  send  it  back  into  the  busy  mart 
Renewed  in  living  strength  to  do  its  part. 


MOgdlStyi 

gUJJUtft  13 


THE    CHOICE 

I  have  seen  a  palace  wall 

Hung  with  objects  rich  and  rare, 
Beauty  lavished  over  all; 
Yet  about  it  lay  a  pall 

Just  because  love  was  not  there. 

I  have  seen  a  sordid  pile 

Made  of  ugly  bricks  that  still, 
As  I  gazed  on  it  the  while, 
Seemed  to  be   a  living  smile; 
Love  sat  by  the  window-sill. 

Proud  estates  in  vast  array, 

These  indeed  none  would  refuse, 

But  when  Fortune  comes  my  way 

Offering  her  treasures  gay, 

Love  's  the  first  that  I  shall  choose 


AUGUST   HEAT 


The  heat  of  old  August  some  mortals  despise, 
And  look  on  it  coldly  with  hate  in  their  eyes; 
But  not  so  with  me,  't  is  a  thing  I  defend 
As  like  the  warm  glow  in  the  heart  of 
friend. 


IN    RESERVE 


Take  the  overfervidness  of  the  summer  day, 
Store  it  up  within  your  breast,  neatly  packed 

away. 
Maybe  in  some  coming  hour,  now  all  unfore- 

seen, 
It  will  serve  to  turn  a  gray,  wintry  prospect 

green, 

Or  if  not,  just  let  it  rest,  of  yourself  a  part  — 
man  ever    et  hath  had  too  much  warmth 


o?  (int  o  Qiitr 

august  16 


MY    FRIEND 

When    from    the '  skies    the    rain    torrential 

drops, 
My  friend  remarks :  "  Fine  weather  for  the 

crops !  " 

When  from  the  East  a  chill  wind  loudly 
roars, 

He  smiles  and  says:  "  Fine  day  to  stay  in- 
doors !  " 

When  from  the  sun  the  heat  streams  fer- 
vently, 
Says  he:  "  Just  right  to  sit  beneath  a  tree!  " 

And  when  skies  hesitate  'twixt  rain  and  shine 
He   sits,   and  smiles,    and  softly  murmurs : 
"Fine!" 

In   short,   whate'er   the   weather's   style    or 

whim 
Each  day  that  comes  is  somehow  "  Fine  "  to 

him, 

With  the  result  no  matter  what  may  hap 
By  day  or  night  he  is  a  sunny  chap ! 


QAl 


17 


AS   TO    BIRTH 

One  pleasant  thing  I  find  upon  this  earth; 
We  common  folk  may  lack  a  noble  birth, 
As  lofty  Ghibelline,  or  royal  Guelph, 
But  man's  real  berth  depends  upon  himself, 
And  once  't  is  won,  more  permanent  't  will  be 
Than  windfalls  dropped  from  some  ancestral 
tree. 


£int  o'  Qietr 


18 


IN    STORMY   WEATHER 

There  's  wind  ahead,  and  rocks  about, 

And  rough  's  the  sailing  on  the  sea, 
But  all  the  same  amid  the  rout 

'T  is  joy  to  test  the  heart  of  me. 
There  's  something  in  the  tempest's  blast, 

And  in  the  current's  knavish  guile, 
Beneath  the  skies  all  overcast, 

That  makes  the  sailing  worth  the  while ! 


&Kfi(Day  o  tfayear 

august  19 


NOTHINGNESS 

A  world  without  a  future  life?  I  can't  con- 
ceive the  thought! 

Each  human  soul  the  merest  clod  of  clayish 
substance  wrought, 

With  nothing  to  aspire  to,  with  nothing  here 
to  gain, 

With  nothing  rising  higher  than  our  pleasure 
and  our  pain? 

Just  coming  out  of  Nowhere  for  a  little  while 
and  then 

To  turn  and  go  to  Nowhere  and  sheer  Noth- 
ingness again? 

There  's  nothing  in  the  notion,  and  your  argu- 
ment, my  friend, 

Refutes  itself  by  leading  unto  nothing  in  the 
end! 


CHEERFUL 


I  know  a  mighty  cheerful  wight 
Who,  though  he  stands  in  his  own  light, 
By  o'er-hot  days  is  ne'er  dismayed 
Because  he  sits  in  his  own  shade! 


Zacli'Day  d  tfayear 

august  21 


LOVE'S    MINTAGE 

Who  pays  his  debts  in  love  and  gratitude 
Will  find  when  he  has  settled  every  score, 
Some  Genius  of  affection  hath  renewed 
The  treasure  he  hath  paid  from  out  his 

store. 
Indeed,  he  finds  who  strives  love's  gold  to 

win, 
The  more  he  pays  it  out  the  more  comes  in. 


o?  (int  o'  (fiet 


r 


august  22 


u 


IN    PARTNERSHIP 

Out  in  the  fresh,  green  wood 

'T  is  good  to  lie, 
Far  from  the  multitude, 

And  scan  the  sky, 
And  think  of  all  the  things 

These  skies  have  seen 
Since  Time  unfurled  his  wings, 

And  life  hath  been. 

For,  in  despite  your  place 

Is  lowly,  still 
In  life's  achieving  race 

Your  place  you  fill. 
It  somehow  thrills  the  heart 

To  rest  and  dream, 
And  feel  yourself  a  part 

Of  God's  great  scheme ! 


o 

August  23 


PERENNIAL 

"  There  's  nothing  new  beneath  the  sun 
To  soothe  your  jaded  appetite?  " 

Get  out  and  get  some  good  deed  done, 
You  poor,  deluded,  weary  wight. 

No  good  deed  yet  hath  failed  to  fill 

The  doer's  spirit  with  a  thrill 

That 's  just  as  fresh  and  full  of  joy, 
As  when  Methuselah  was  a  boy. 


o?  tint  0'  (fee 

auBUKt  24 


"OLD   NEVER-MIND" 

"  I-Don't-Care  "  is  not  my  kind. 
I  prefer  old  "  Never-Mind." 
He  's  the  chap  all  full  of  song 
That  in  trouble  helps  along. 

"  I-Don't-Care  "  's  a  reckless  chap 
Leading  on  to  sure  mishap, 
But  dear  "  Never-Mind,"  the  gay, 
Takes  us  smiling  on  our  way; 

And  when  Trouble  ventures  in, 
Greets  him  with  a  sort  of  grin 
Of  the  kind  that  makes  him  guess 
He  has  got  the  wrong  address. 


ear 


25 


RELEASE 

By  day  I  'm  held  by  chains 
That  fasten  me  to  toil. 

I  have  to  work  for  gains, 
To  win  my  share  of  spoil. 

But  when  the  night  hath  come, 
And  daily  tasks  are  done, 

The  chains  so  burdensome 
Are  lifted,  one  by  one. 

And  over  hill  and  dale 
On  dreamy  jaunts  I  fly; 

Right  gallantly  I  sail 

Beneath  the  moonlit  sky. 

And  while  my  body  worn 
Rests  here  in  slavery, 

My  soul,  in  dreams  reborn, 
Rejoices  to  be  free! 


o?  QM  o1  Qiwr 

Sinyast  26 


MY   WILL 

My  fortune?    Well,  it  comes  to  nil, 
But  none  the  less  I  make  my  will : 
The  earth,  the  air,  the  sea,  the  sky, 
And  all  the  things  that  in  them  lie ; 
With  love,  and  faith,  and  constancy, 
And  hope,  and  human  sympathy, 
And  courtesy  and  kindliness, 
And  all  the  qualities  that  bless, 
Wherever  found,  no  matter  where, 
Upon  said  earth,  or  in  said  air, 
Being  of  sound,  disposing  mind 
I  herewith  leave  to  all  mankind, 
And  hope  they  '11  use  them  just  as  free 
As  though  they  'd  all  belonged  to  me. 


27 


NEVER   FAILING 

At  times  when  on  life's  sea 

Far  from  my  course  I  Ve  run, 
With  clouds  of  misery 

To  hide  away  the  sun, 
A  never-failing  chart 

To  lead  me  safely  through 
I  Ve  found  within  my  heart, 

With  love  the  compass  true. 


THE   ECONOMIST 


Must  admit  that  living  's  high, 
Clothes  are  costly,  so  is  rent. 

Prices  soaring  to  the  sky, 

Gold  likewise  inclined  to  fly, 

But  nobody  can  deny, 

Laughter  doesn't  cost  a  cent! 


Wherefore  when  expenses  rse 
Laugh,  and  so  economize. 


&cfi(D(tt)  o tfayear 


August  29 


RESIGNATION 

Clouds  were  piling  in  the  west'; 
Storm  was  come  to  be  my  guest; 
Vexed  my  spirit  not  the  least, 
For  I  turned  unto  the  east. 

Clouds  were  filling  all  the  east; 
Thunderbolts  their  flash  released, 
Yet  my  spirit  was  at  rest, 
For  I  gazed  into  the  west. 

East  or  west,  whate'er  the  storm 
With  its  terrors  multiform, 
Undisturbed  I  shall  remain 
Till  clear  weather  comes  again. 


£int  o>  Qutr 

august 30 


GOOD    MORNING 

Whatever  weather  be  a-borning 
'Tis  etiquette  to  say  "  Good  morning!  " 
And  truly  every  morning  's  bright 
Compared,  at  least,  unto  the  night; 
So  even  though  the  day  be  wet, 
Let 's  smile  and  cling  to  etiquette  — 
"  Good  morning!  " 


TEACHERS 


I  Ve  placed  my  troubles  all  apart, 

And  studied  them  through  tears  of  pain 
And  now  I  find  each  one  a  chart 
That  tells  me  how  with  sturdy  heart 
To  meet  them  when  they  come  again. 


ffL(mo'Cfa 

£>rptcmbcv  I 


r 


SEPTEMBER   HUES 

Now  comes  September  —  over  all 
The  tints  of  Summer  and  the  Fall 
In  gay  and  gladsome  patchwork  fuse 
To  make  a  quilt  of  gorgeous  hues, 
The  which  before  the  eye  is  spread 
To  tell  of  joyous  days  ahead, 
And  bring  all  glowing  to  the  mind 
The  lovely  hours  left  behind. 
The  gold,  the  green,  upon  the  trees 
Reflect  our  hopes  and  memories: 
The  golden  hopes  of  days  to  be 
Mixed  with  the  greens  of  memory! 


AN   APPOINTMENT 

Worry  comes  and  says  to  me: 

"  Guess  I  '11  stay  and  visit  ye !  " 

And  I  turn  and  answer  then: 

"  Guess  ye  '11  have  to  guess  again, 

Ain't  no  room  for  Worry  here; 

Come  around  some  other  year." 

"  When  ?  "  says  he.  Says  I :  "  Wa-al,  how 

'Bout  a  hundred  years  from  now?  " 


September  3 


IRRIGATION 

Hain't  complainin'  of  the  wet, 

Rain,  or  trouble  —  no,  by  Jings ! 
For  ye  see  I  can't  forget 

Rain  is  good  for  growin'  things; 
And  when  trouble  's  round  me  flowin 
I  can  feel  my  soul  a-growin', 
Growin'  like  the  ripenin'  grain, 
All  the  better  for  the  rain! 


Sicti'Day  o  tkyear 

I   September  4 


UNWORRIED 

Like  everybody  else  I  would  n't  care 
If  somehow  I  became  a  billionaire. 
A  billion  I  am  sure  would  e'er  be  found 
A  tidy  little  sum  to  have  around. 
And  yet,  I  'm  satisfied  without  it,  for 
'T  would  really  be  a  sum  to  worry  o'er, 
And  while  of  course  I  never  could  refuse  it, 
Without  it  I  'm  not  bothered  lest  I  lose  it. 


FORTUNE 

Don't  suppose  I  '11  e'er  be  great 
Like  the  folks  of  vast  estate. 
Don't  suppose  I  '11  e'er  be  rich 
Like  old  Reddymun  and  sich. 
But  one  thing  is  sure  as  day 
As  I  walk  along  my  way : 
I  can  pile  up  stacks  of  cheer 
Mined  straight  from  the  atmosphere 
That  will  make  their  stores  immense 
Look  like  thirty-seven  cents ! 


<Sif/i£b/  6- 

September  6 


THE   WELCOME    GUEST 

I  'm  going  to  lead  this  life 

As  though  I  were  a  guest 
Upon  this  ball  of  strife, 

And  do  my  level  best 
To  order  so  each  day 

That  when  my  grip  I  pack 
My  fellow  guests  will  say 

They  hope  I  '11  soon  be  back! 


lA    ,    ,.  y 

0 


September  7 


NAME   VS.    FAME 

Do  not  really  care  at  all 
For  a  lofty  pedestal. 
Would  n't  give  a  cent  for  fame; 
But  I  'd  like  to  win  a  name 
As  a  chap  you  'd  always  find 
With  an  open,   four-square  mind, 
Who,  whate'er  the  rout  or  revel, 
Always  stood  "  upon  the  level  1  " 


o 


September  8 


THE   ASHES    OF    SUCCESS 

He  travels  fastest  who  travels  alone! 

Kipling. 

Maybe  't  is  true  that  who  travels  alone 
Travels  the  fastest,  but  what  of  the  goal? 

Who  cares  for  speed  when  the  end  is  a  stone 
Void  of  the  deepest  of  joys  of  the  soul? 

Give  me  a  comrade,  a  friend  that  will  share 
All  of  the  sorrows  and  joys  of  the  chase! 

Give  me  a  spirit  to  ease  me  in  care  — 
Little  care  I  how  retarded  the  pace ! 

Prizes  in  solitude  won,  they  are  naught ! 

Loneliness  holds  all  the  letters  of  loss. 
Give     me     sheer     failure     in     comradeship 
wrought 

Rather  than  isolate  fame  that  is  dross  I 


^ln£  o'  Qmr 

S>tptcmbcr  9 


THE    FRESH    DEAL 

Now  here  's  a  pack  of  twenty-four  new  hours ; 
Each  one  a  card  with  undeveloped  powers 

Placed  freely  in  our  reach. 
Let 's  play  them  all  face  upward  on  the  table 
And  play  the  game,  and  see  if  we  are  able 

To  take  a  trick  with  each ! 


September  10 


Yes,  Duty  is  a  friend  of  mine  — 

On  that  it 's  safe  to  bet! 
But  all  the  same,  in  rain  or  shine, 
I  'm  going  to  "  do  him  "  good  and  fine 

At  every  chance  I  get! 


o?  (jnt  o  (jfe 

September  U 


P 

r 


THE   CARESSING    HAND 

Glint  of  sun  on  shimmering  tree, 
Glow  of  stars  on  land  and  sea; 
Light  of  day  and  glimmer  of  night  — 
What  are  these  but  proof  in  sight 
Of  the  soft  caress  of  a  God  of  Love 
Sent  from  the  Father's  hand  above 
Bringing  to  all  His  children  here 
Hints  of  joy,  and  hope,  and  cheer, 
Of  the  final  home  that  waits  for  all 
Beyond  the  gates  celestial? 


September  12 


THE    REAL   THING 

It  may  be  I  am  not  the  style 

Of  feller  fellers  think  worth  while, 

But  I  'm  the  feller  that  I  be, 

And  that 's  the  style  o'  styles  for  me ; 

And  what  I  am,  that  kind  o'  man 

I  'm  goin'  to  be  the  best  I  can, 

And  when  I  Ve  finished  up  the  job 

No  one  can  say  that  I  'm  a  snob 

For  makin'  out  myself  a  saint 

When  everybody  knows  I  ain't! 

Whate'er  I  be  in  joy  or  rue, 

I  'm  goin'  to  be  it  through  and  through. 


if 


o 


September  13 


THE    HOUSE    IN    ORDER 

I  admit  I  am  not  comely! 
Fact  is  I  am  more  than  homely, 
But  behind  my  phiz  so  fey  — 
Well,  it 's  not  for  me  to  say 
What  you  '11  find  inside  o'  that 
Lurkin'  here  beneath  my  hat, 
But  I  've  tried  to  make  the  place 
Somewhat  better  than  my  face: 
Orderly,  and  clean,  and  neat, 
Sunny,  cheerful,  fresh,  and  sweet. 
Beauty  's  sure  worth  having,  but 
Joy  can  dwell  inside  a  hut, 
And  I  Ve  found  true  happiness 
Hid  within  the  plainest  dress. 


\SnKDyd 

September  14 


AS   TO    CHAINS 

Our  chains  are  what  we  make  'em !    That 's 

a  truth 

I  Ve  learned  in  passing  on  to  age  from  youth : 
A  burden  full  of  woe  and  misery 
If  wrought  of  service  done  reluctantly; 
A  golden  gift  of  richest  treasure-trove 
If  every  link  is  forged  in  fires  of  love! 


o'  (heer 

September  15 


THE   FIXTURE 

Anchored  fast!     Can't  get  away! 
Same  old  prospect  every  day. 
Same  old  vistas,  same  old  sights; 
Same  old  days  and  same  old  nights. 
Awful  fate  1    Well,  I  don't  know. 
Some  days  maybe  it  seems  so. 
Other  days  I  seem  to  be 
Like  a  sort  of  green  old  tree, 
Full  of  sap,  and  growing  high, 
Ever  upward  to  the  sky; 
Joying  in  both  sun  and  rain; 
Taking  pleasure,  bearing  pain, 
As  they  come,  days  dark  or  glad  — 
Really,  that  is  not  so  bad! 


u 


Sxii'Day  o 


September  16 


THE    PEACEFUL    SOUL 

I  won't  fight  with  any  one, 
Does  n't  matter  what  he  's  done. 
Quarreling  I  never  find 
Suited  to  my  style  of  mind. 

Either  I  am  wrong  or  right. 
If  I  'm  wrong,  why  should  I  fight? 
If  I  'm  right,  pray  tell  me  how 
I  'd  be  more  so  for  a  row? 


(jQitt 


r 


September  17 


THE   OLD-TIME   JOKE 

When  my  plans  go  wrong,  and  my  schemes 

go  broke, 

I  try  to  remember  some  old-time  joke 
That  made  me  laugh  in  the  days  gone  by 
Ere  ever  I  knew  what  it  was  to  sigh; 
And  I  laugh,  and  laugh,   . 
At  the  ancient  chaff, 
And  deep  of  the  cup  of  the  past  I  quaff, 
And  ere  I  know  from  those  youthful  dreams 
I    gather    new    plans,    and    more    hopeful 

schemes  1 


AN    EVEN    BREAK 

I  never  heard  of  Socrates, 
Or  old  man  Alcibiades, 

Or  other  learned  Greeks. 
There  's  really  nothing  that  I  know 
Of  Epictetus,  Cicero, 

Or  similar  antiques. 

But  really  I  don't  care  a  hang 
Because  I  never  knew  that  gang 

Of  chaps  that  used  to  be, 
For  when  it  comes  right  down  to  that 
I  '11  wager  any  man  a  hat, 

They  never  heard  of  me ! 


o'(jfe 

September  19 


r 


AS   TO   FOLLY 

Are  you  feeling  melancholy 
O'er  some  little  act  of  folly? 

Don't  you  mind  a  bit. 
All  the  wisdom  of  the  Sages 
In  the  long  chain  of  the  ages 

Has  been  based  on  it. 

Folly  's  but  the  finger-post 
When  upon  our  way  we  're  lost, 

Groping  all  around, 
Pointing  with  a  jocund  air 
To  the  paths  that  lead  us  where 

Wisdom  's  to  be  found ! 


?£<&$<%  d  thy  ear 

^  September  20 


AN    EASY   LOAN 

We  all  know  just  how  mighty  fine  't  would  be 

If  we  had  one  more  hand  to  help  us  on 

The  work  we  have  to  do,  and  how  we  'd  see 

Our  pathway  clear  unto  the  glorious  dawn 

Could  we  command 

That  selfsame  hand. 

Wherefore,    my   friend,   whene'er  your  eye 

espies 

A  toiler  pressed  for  what  his  toil  procures 
In  need  of  that  third  hand  to  win  the  prize, 
Just  pause  upon  your  way  —  and  lend  him 
yours ! 


15 


<£?  [JM  o'  (jfe 

I  September  21 


r 


THE  NEW  LOVE  AND  THE  OLD 

A  certain  Sage  I  know  takes  satisfaction 
In  calling  life  a  "  chemical  reaction/' 
And  love  with  all  its  joyous  efflorescence 
An  "  evanescent  bit  of  effervescence." 
If  he  's  sincere  when  he  shall  wed  he  'd 

oughter 

Choose  for  his  bride  a  glass  of  soda  water, 
And   be    content    for   pleasures    and    for 

troubles 

With  simple  drafts  of  frothy,  sudsy  bub- 
bles; 

And  when  he  dies  into  a  Heaven  pass 
That 's  just  a  tank  of  supernatural  gas ! 

But  as  for  you  and  me,  my  friend,  let  us  be 

ever  found 
Believers  in  the  old-time  love  that  makes  the 

world  go  round ! 


6  tlvtyear 

September  22 


THE    GOOD   WORD 

A  good  word  spoken  in  the  morning 

Is  one  the  wise  are  never  scorning. 

However  bright  or  drear  the  day 

It  cheers  us  ever  on  the  way, 

And  if  by  chance  we  do  not  seek  it, 

Let  it  be  ours  at  least  to  speak  it. 

Who  knows  but  that  't  will  prove  the  seed 

To  ease  some  brother  in  his  need, 

And  swerve  him  from  some  pathway,  where 

The  end  is  ruin  and  despair? 


:r 


23 


THE   CARGO 

The  cargo  of  my  ship,  my  friend, 
Is  love  and  tenderness 
For  all  men  in  distress. 
Give  me  your  order,  and  I  '11  send 
Your  share  by  wireless. 

As  for  the  bill, 
Just  pay  it  in  good-will, 

Terms,  C.  O.  D. 
That 's  good  enough  for  me. 


u 


<M©m/ o'ffeyear 

1  September  24 


THE   LEGIONS    OF   YOUTH 

Let  the  young  men  come 

With  clatter  and  hum, 
And  hands  for  the  job  that 's  to  do ! 

Let 's  never  feel  sad, 

But  rather  be  glad 
For  spirits  so  youthful  and  true. 

New  tasks  for  the  world 

Are  daily  unfurled 
In  seeking  the  ultimate  truth. 

New  tasks  to  be  done, 

New  goals  to  be  won, 
Demanding  the  powers  of  Youth. 

So  let  us  be  glad 

For  the  lass  and  the  lad 

Now  passing  us  fast  in  the  race, 
And  welcome  with  glee 
The  strengthful  trustee 

God  sends  to  step  into  our  place ! 


ffL  (int  o  (fietr 

September  25 


TO   THE   TOILER 

When  tasks  are  hard  upon  the  upward  slope 
That  is  the  time  that  calls  for  cheer  and  hope. 
'T  is  when  the  summit 's  reached  and  all 

seems  clear 
'T  were  well  to  ope  the  heart  to  thoughts  of 

fear. 

So  courage  take,  as  on  the  rocky  road 
You  upward  toil,  nor  bend  beneath  your  load. 
Fear  not  the  dangers  imminent  and  grim  — 
He  's  far  worse  off  who  's  naught  ahead  of 
him! 


September  26 


THE   OPEN    DOOR 

I  have  no  slightest  fear  that  I  shall  find 
My  Heaven  shut  when  I  shall  reach  the 
goal, 

For  Heaven  were  no  Heaven  to  my  mind 
If  it  were  closed  to  any  human  soul. 

'T  is  in  its  all-embracing  openness 

Its  glory  lies,  with  welcome  glad  within 

Relieving  with  God's  mercy  the  distress 
Of  them  who  bend  beneath  the  weight  of 
sin. 


ffL  [int  o  Qutr 

September  27 


A   FUTILE    CREED 

Look  here,  my  friend,  with  all  your  song  and 

dance, 

And  all  your  u  scientific  "  circumstance, 
In  which  you  try  to  prove  the  Universe, 
And  life  within  it  merely  luck,  or  worse, 
The  whole  beginning  and  its  ending  pent 
Within  the  hazard  of  some  "  accident," 
Just  take  the  sun,  the  moon,  the  stars  we  see, 
With  all  their  clock-like  regularity  — 
Can  you  believe  that  all  this  consonance 
And  certainty  so  real  are  based  on  chance? 
I  don't 
And  won't ! 
I  could  n't  if  I  would, 
And  what  is  more,  I  would  n't  if  I  could ! 


Sxfi'Dayo 


28 


SUCCESS 

Met  a  man  to-day 
Who,  most  people  say, 
Is  a  great  success, 
Nothing  more  nor  less; 

But  — 
Ne'er  a  smile  upon  his  face,  pallid  was  his 

cheek, 
And  his  wan  lips  quivered  when  he  tried  to 

speak; 
Could  n't    laugh    and    could  n't    sing    as    he 

walked    along; 
Children  made  him  nervous  with  their  merry 

song; 

Looked  with  dark  suspicion  on  his  fellow- 
men  — 

Thought  they  'd  come  to  rob  him  of  his  gold 
—  and  then 

I  says,  says  I, 
As  he  passed  by, 

"  If  that 's  success,  why  when  I  dine 
Just  mix  some  failure  in  with  mine !  " 


September  29 


THE    RETORT    COURTEOUS 

If  some  one  says  that  you  're  not  any  good, 

Or  some  such  pleasant  thing  or  other, 
Just  smile  as  though  you  had  n't  understood, 

And  call  him  "  Brother!" 
That 's  quite  the  same  as  calling  him  "  an- 
other " 

And  saves  a  row, 
And  what 's  the  use  of  rowing,  anyhow? 


September  30 


AS   TO   TALK 

When  things  within  the  kittle 
Git  bilin'  pretty  hot, 

Talk  slow,  and  mighty  little, 
But  make  it  say  a  lot. 

You  bet  your  bottom  dollar 
The  meanest  grub  in  reach 

Is  when  ye  come  to  swaller 
Unnecessary  speech! 


ffL  {int 


©ctofaer  I 


r 


CHILL   OCTOBER 

They  do  you  ill  who  call  you  chill 

October. 

To  me  you  thrill  with  sheer  good-will, 
Your  raiment,  far  from  sober, 
Is  bright  and  gay, 
And  cheers  each  day 
With  prospects  full  of  gladness 

That  turn  the  mind 
To  thoughts  of  joyous  kind, 
And  drive  away  all  sadness, 
For  everywhere  we  look,  we  find 
The  harvests  rich  of  labors  done 
Beneath  the  Summer's  warming  sun. 


"  Be  good  and  you  '11  be  happy." 

Yes,  that 's  well  understood. 
But  don't  forget,  old  Chappy, 
That  other  proverb  snappy: 
Be  happy  and  you  '11  be  good! 


r 


October  3 


THE    DIFFERENCE 

The  Pessimist  is  he  who  sees 
In  clouds  naught  but  distress, 

And  in  their  opaque  mysteries 
Discerns  mere  inkiness. 

The  Optimist  admits  the  cloud, 
And  yet  his  glance  pursues 

The  misty  rifts  that  are  endowed 
With  iridescent  hues. 


facli'Day  o' tkyear 


<Dctobcr  4 


MOVING    ON 

The  body  's  but  a  tenement 
In  which  we  dwell  awhile, 

On  daily  labors  mostly  bent, 
Mixed  with  the  tear  and  smile. 

And  when  we  move  away  we  go 
Some  say  to  Nothingness, 

But  as  for  me,  while  I  don't  know 
Precisely  the  address, 

I  'm  confident  that  I  shall  win, 
If  so  my  labor  's  good, 

A  dwelling  place  secure  within 
Some  finer  neighborhood. 


o?  (int  o'  (Teerl 


©ttobet  5 


IN  THE  SERE  AND  YELLOW 

Now  here  's   a   withered  leaf   from   off   an 

oaken  tree, 
Escaped   from   out  the   sheaf  of  summer's 

greenery. 
'T  is  old,  and  all  the  green  hath  faded  from 

its  gown, 
And  in  the  autumn  keen  its  garb  is  sombre 

brown. 

Yet  when  some  sportive  breeze  inviteth  it  to 
dance, 

How  eager  'tis  to  seize  the  gay  and  joyous 
chance ! 

How  merrily  it  twirls  and  gaily  pirouettes, 

And  ever  onward  whirls,  forgetful  of  re- 
grets ! 

Here  's  hoping  that  in  age,  e'en  as  the  sere 
leaves  do, 

Our  feet  may  trip  the  stage  in  dancing  meas- 
ure too ! 


Sxcfi'DaydtKeyMr 


October  6 


EPHEMERAL   WOE! 

What  has  become  of  the  worries  of  Noah? 

What  has  become  of  the  woes  of  Job? 
What  has  become  of  the  trials  sore 

Hid  underneath  King  Solomon's  robe? 

Where  are  the  cares  of  Charles  the  First? 

Where  the  tears  that  Niobe  shed? 
Where  are  the  troubles  of  parching  thirst 

Tantalus  bore  in  the  ages  dead? 

Where    are    the    griefs    of    the    long    dead 
years  — 

Priam's,  Ulysses',  and  Jonah's  and  all? 
Lost  in  the  streams  of  forgotten  tears, 

Dead,  gone,  and  buried  beyond  recall ! 

Gone,  O  ye  Sufferer!     Gone  for  aye, 
Just  as  your  troubles  will  fade  away! 
Peace  is  eternal,  but  trial  and  fear 
Pass  to  the  vales  of  the  yesteryear! 


ifi 


o?  fine  o'  Qutr 


©ctober  7 


A    PLEASANT    SIGHT 

I  Ve  seen  full  many  a  pleasant  sight 
That  filled  my  spirit  with  delight: 
Green  hills,  the  broad  sweep  of  the  sea, 
The  flame  of  some  autumnal  tree 
Like  some  great  torch  athwart  the  sky, 
The  love-light  in  a  lover's  eye- 
But  none  more  glad  I  ever  knew 
Than  that  which  flashed  across  my  view 
When,  sitting  on  the  floor  to-day 
I  saw  two  merry  wights  at  play, 
A  grand-dad  full  of  gleeful  joy 
A-playing  marbles  with  his  boy! 


Sxti'Day  d  tfa 


€>ctot)cr  8 


THE   BEST  OF   BREWS 

If  you  would  quaff  a  brew  of  joy, 
A  mixture  fine  without  alloy, 
Pour  milk  of  human  sympathy 
Into  a  cup  of  chari-tea, 
And  share  it  with  that  needy  wight 
Who  happensjifirst  to  heave  in  sight, 
I  miss  my  guess  if  it  is  not 
The  finest  brew  you  ever  got! 


o?  £nt  o  (jfer 


October  9 


FRIENDS    AND    BROTHERS 

Why  folks  complain  of  loneliness 

Is  strange  to  me,  I  must  confess. 

Why,  every  brook,  and  every  tree, 

And  every  twinkling  star  I  see, 

Hath  something  good  to  say  to  me ! 

If  you  would  find  a  comradeship 

That  through  the  years  will  never  slip, 

Be  friends  with  all  the  stars  of  night, 

Greet  all  God's  creatures  with  delight  — 

The  breeze  that  blows,  the  bird  that  sings; 

The  seas  with  mystic  murmurings. 

The  stranger  on  the  highway  too 

Is  brother  unto  me  and  you, 

In  that  great  family  a  part 

Whose  home  lies  in  the  human  heart! 


(October  10 


STRANGE   LOGIC 

Hev  ter  laff  when  fellers  say: 
"  Ain't  no  Heaven,  anyway." 
Makes  life  seem  a  foolish  joke 
Endin'  in  a  whiff  o'  smoke  — 
Like  a-sailin'  on  the  sea 
'Thout  a  port  ahead  o'  ye. 
Hain't  no  logic  in  a  claim 
Heaven  's  jest  an  empty  name, 
And  fer   all  yer  earthly  stewin' 
Nature's  answer  's  "  Nothin'  doinM  " 


[int  o  Qutr 


(October  II 


THE    PEACEMAKER 

For  quarreling  I  can't  deny 

My  liking  's  rather  slim, 
And  if  somebody  passing  by 
To  pick  a  fight  with  me  shall  try, 
I  '11  simply  thump  him  on  the  eye 
Before  I  '11  fight  with  him  — 
And  ere  my  blows  shall  cease 
I  '11  win  him  back  to  peace. 


\&icfi(Day  o  tfayear 


©ctobet  12 


THE   GREAT   TO    BE 

Every  drop  in  yonder  river 

Flows  into  the  mighty  sea 
With  a  message  to  deliver 

From  the  Hand  of  Mystery. 
Think  you  that  these  drops  of  water, 

Thus  become  a  mighty  whole, 
Hold  a  mission  great,  while  naught  a 

Hope  remaineth  for  the  soul? 

I  believe,  and  I  affirm  it 

As  each  drop  is  to  the  sea, 
So  the  soul,  whate'er  you  term  it, 

Is  unto  the  Great  To  Be! 
To  a  mighty  Whole  Eternal 

Flows  the  human  tide  alway, 
Ready  for  the  tasks  supernal 

In  the  bright  celestial  day. 


(\nt  o  Qittr 


October  13 


DOUBTS 

Rather  like  a  good  hard  fight 

On  a  point  of  doubt; 
It  is  really  such  delight 

Just  to  knock  it  out. 
Doubts  are  helpful,  seems  to  me, 

When  the  truth  you  seek, 
Pointing  out  with  clarity 

Where  your  faith  is  weak. 


0 

October  14 


ear 


MY   CHOICE 

Yes,  I  'd  like  brains,  and  wisdom  truly  great, 
And  vision  keen  to  choose  my  path  aright. 

I  'd  wish  to  be  in  questions  of  the  State 
A  man  to  lead  my  fellows  to  the  light. 

In  short,  I  'd  serve,  and  hope  sagaciously 
To  meet  each  day's  demands  as  they  arise; 

But  better  far  than  these  pray  grant  to  me 
The  heart  to  ease  the  woe  that  round  me 
lies. 


{he  o'  Qutr 


(October  15 


Wind  's  a-blowin'  awful  out  — 
Sort  of  hurricane,  I  guess  — 
Nothin'  to  feel  bad  about  — 
Ruther  good  thing,  more  or  less, 
Seein'  wind,  for  all  its  blare, 
Ain't  no  more  'n  good  fresh  air! 


©ctobet  16 


ONLY   A   TEST 

Cheer  up,  old  Pal !    Ain't  ye  doin'  your  best? 
All  of  these  troubles  is  only  a  test 
Set  for  your  strength  for  to  settle  for  sure 
How  much  or  little  your  soul  can  endure. 

Keep  on  a-smilin',  and  workin'  away. 
Prizes  are  sure  for  to  come  by  some  day, 
Long  as  ye  keep  on  a-doin'  your  best 
Grinnin'  and  workin',  whatever  the  test! 


<£?  (int  0'  Qmr 


€>ttober  17 


A   PLEASANT   TASK 

About  the  nicest  task  I  know 
Is  goin'  out  'most  any  day 
To  find  some  feller  full  of  woe 
A-walkin'  on  his  troubled  way, 
And  if  he  's  full  o'  wrath  an1  bile 
To  make  him  smile. 

Or  if  perchance  tears  dim  his  eyes, 
Because  of  grief  or  some  distress, 
To  help  him  from  his  sorrow  rise 
Unto  the  heights  of  happiness  — 
In  other  words,  if  he  is  sad 
To  make  him  glad. 

There  's  many  a  way  to  turn  the  trick 

For  human  brothers  in  their  need. 
Some  pile  the  humor  on  too  thick, 
And  failure  waits  upon  the  deed. 
The  best  and  surest  recipe 
Is  sympathy  1 


©ctober  18 


WHEN    TEMPESTS    RAGE 

When  tempests  rage  upon  the  way, 
And.all  the  winds  are  wet  and  high, 

Mind  well  those  doctors  wise  who  say 
'T  is  best  to  keep  your  tootsies  dry. 

But  when  the  tempest  in  the  soul 

Doth  ramp,  and  roar,  and  harshly  storm, 
He  best  escapes  the  lash  of  dole 

Whose  heart  with  love  and  cheer  is  warm. 


o?  £nt  o  Quer 

n 


(October  19 


THE    FREE   AGENT 

If  trials  hard  pursue  you  and  your  heart  is 

steeped  in  woe, 
Be  thankful  you  're  not  Jonah  in  the  days  of 

long  ago. 
If  by  misunderstandings  you  are  wearied  and 

distressed, 
Rejoice  you  were  not  Moses  by. old  Pharaoh 

oppressed. 
If  debt  and  dearth  have  snared  you  in  the 

warp  and  woof  of  dread, 
Be  glad  you  were  not  Charles  the  First,  who 

settled  with  his  head. 
And  if  you  're  chained  to  some  chill  post  of 

daily  slavery, 
Look   skyward,    and   not   post-ward,   where 

your  spirit  may  be  free. 
The  limbs  of  man,  his  feet,  his  hands,  may 

be  enmeshed  in  dole, 
But  steel  was  never  fashioned  yet  to  chain 

the  human  soul. 


kfl 


Sicfi'Day  6 'tfayear' 


October  20 


THE   NEWBORN    DAY 

If  life  seems  dark,  and  dreary,  and  forlorn, 
Just  rise  betimes  and  see  the  new  day  borne 

Upon  the  wings  of  morn, 
And  from  the  pageant  of  that  lovely  hour 
Gain   courage    fresh,    a   sense   of   new-born 

power 

To  grasp  the  gifts  of  Opportunity 
The  young  day  sets  before  you  lavishly, 

All  free ! 

Thrust  woe  behind  you,  and  let  yesterday 
Its  own  indebtedness  in  trouble  pay, 
And  with  the  smiling  sun  keep  pace  and  tread 
The  path  unto  the  goal  that  lies  ahead. 


o?  {int  o'  Qietr 


October  21 


THE    GOODLY   THING 

The  sands  are  running  through  the  glass. 
The  hours,  days,  and  swift  years  pass, 

And  carry  us  along. 

They  bring  us  joys,  they  bring  us  tears; 
They  bring  us  hopes,  they  bring  us  fears; 

They  bring  us  grief  and  song. 

A  meed  of  pleasure  and  of  pain. 
Our  share  of  sunshine  and  of  rain, 

Unsparingly  they  give; 
And  we,  despite  our  plaint  of  woe, 
Cling  close  to  them,  because  we  know 

It  has  been  good  to  live  I 


u 


Sicli'Day  d  t&year 


©ctober  22 


THE    SPUR 

Troubled,  are  you?    Well,  why  not? 

That  is  just  your  mortal  lot. 

If  you  had  n't  any  care 

You  'd  have  lost  a  goodly  share 

Of  your  portion  of  this  life 

Which  is  blent  of  peace  and  strife. 

Peace  alone  would  leave  you  soft, 
Nerveless  for  the  climb  aloft, 
While  the  wholesome  flick  of  woe 
Sets  your  pulses  all  aglow, 
Makes  you  grit  your  teeth  and  vow 
You  will  conquer  anyhow! 


o?  (int  o  (Jieer 


©ctober  23 


THE    DALES   AND    BROOKS 

Waste  not  thine  eyes  alway  on  books, 
But  seek  the  Autumn  dales  and  brooks, 
And  in  their  music  and  their  glow 
Find  surcease  from  thy  load  of  woe. 
Or  if  perchance  thy  path  shall  lie 
Where  ne'er  a  brook  runs  gaily  by, 
Where  dales  are  not,  stand  not  apart, 
But  contemplate  the  throbbing  heart 
That  pulses  in  the  rivers  free 
Of  hurrying  humanity; 
And  seek  the  vales  where  suffering 
Holds  others  'neath  its  shadowy  wing, 
And  there  forget  thine  own  despairs 
In  helping  others  carry  theirs ! 


ocnevear 

©ttober  24 


THE    BETTER    PORTION 


Success   I  Ve   loved,    and    failure    I  ve    not 

spurned. 
From  one  gained  wealth,  and  from  the  other 

learned. 

Perhaps  in  this  hath  failure  won  the  prize; 
Who  's  rich  is  merely  rich,  who  's  learned  is 

wise 


o?  fine.  0'  Qut 


r 


October  25 


SOUL-FREE 

Life's  millstones  hanging  round  my  neck 
May  hold  my  body  here  in  check, 
But  ne'er  a  millstone  e'er  shall  be 
To  hold  my  soul  in  slavery! 
Where  it  would  soar  it  soars  away, 
Far  back,  perchance,  to  yesterday, 
Or  far  ahead  to  some  fair  shore 
The  distant  future  holds  in  store; 
Into  the  depths,  unto  the  heights, 
It  speeds,  and  drinks  deep  of  delights 
That  seem  the  greater  for  the  pain 
Of  body  in  the  throes  of  gain. 
Let  body  moan  its  slavery, 
And  groan  because  it  is  not  free, 
But  in  my  soul  the  songs  I  '11  sing 
With  which  the  Hills  of  Freedom  ring. 


8Mf\fDay  6  tfvtywr' 


©ctober  26 


A   BAD    INVESTMENT 

'  You  cannot  borrow  cash  on  cheer !  " 
So  saith  the  critic,  with  his  jeer. 
But  say  —  see  here  — 
If  you  should  swap  your  cheer  for  cash, 
You  'd  very  shortly  come  to  smash. 
The  cash  you  'd  spend,  and  you  'd  be  found, 
The  day  when  payment-due  came  round, 
The  victim  of  an  empty  bubble 
Who  'd  merely  swapped  his  cheer  for  trouble. 
A  bad  investment,  seems  to  me, 
Unless  you  're  fond  of  misery. 


jfjnt  o'  (jfe 


r 


(October  27 


CARE-PROOF 

The  really  truly  Me 
Is  not  the  thing  you  see, 
But  just  an  Am  that  hides 
Way  down  in  my  insides; 
And  there  it  sits  and  dreams, 
And  formulates,  and  schemes, 
And  lets  old  trouble  roar 
Outside  the  care-proof  door, 
As  mad  as  anythin' 
Because  he  can't  get  in. 


|<Stf/i£b/  otS^year 


©ctobEt  28 


A    SURE    CURE 

For  a  cure  for  coming  wrinkles, 
Here  's  a  recipe  quite  simple: 
Turn  your  frownings  into  twinkles, 

And  each  wrinkle  to  a  dimple. 
Try  this  method  'fore  and  after 
Every  meal,  well-mixed  with  laughter; 
Blithely,  gaily, 
Do  it  daily, 

And  the  wrinkles  you  are  fearing 
Won't  be  long  in  disappearing. 


£?  [int  o'  (Tien 

_^nJ- 


r 

(Octofaci-  29 


AN   AID   TO   TOIL 

If  there  's  no  music  in  my  work 

To  help  me  on  to  overcome  it, 

I  '11  get  some  tune  myself,  nor  shirk 

The  pleasant  task  that 's  mine  to  hum  it. 

It  may  not  make  a  dull  job  breezier, 

But  I  opine  't  will  make  it  easier 

To  hum  that  tune 

From  morn  till  noon, 

And  thence  till  eve 
Shall  come,  my  labors  to  relieve. 


October  30 


ALL    HALLOWE'EN 

Cometh  Hallowe'en  to-night 

With  its  ghosts  and  mystic  thrills. 

Some  are  ghosts  of  past  delight, 
Some  are  spirits  of  past  ills. 

Let  us  joy  in  bygone  sweets 
That  our  memories  retain, 

And  who  ghosts  of  evil  meets 
Let  him  free  his  heart  of  pain  — 
They  're  but  spectres,  gaunt  and  vain. 


o?  ^m£  o'  Qut 


r 


<£ttobet  31 


LIGHT   UP! 

The  Jack-o'-Lantern  that  I  sing 
Is  but  a  "  punkin-headed  "  thing, 
Yet  with  what  joy  it  seems  to  grin 
When  it  doth  hold  a  light  within ! 
What  genial  thoughts  it  doth  inspire 
When  glowing  with  that  inward  fire! 

So  let  it  be  with  you  and  me 

When  things  go  "  punkin-headed  "  !     See  — 

As  on  your  way  you  blindly  grope 

How  all 's  transformed  when  lit  with  hope ! 

And  Hope,  that  blessing  past  compare, 

Is  just  as  cheap  as  God's  free  air! 


NOVEMBER   GIFTS 

November  days  with  crispy  air, 
And  nipping  mornings  come  apace, 

And  smiling  Nature  everywhere 
Presents  a  kindly  sort  of  face. 

Frost-diamonds  cluster  round  her  brows, 

A  scintillating  coronet; 
And  from  her  over-brimming  mows 

She  pays  the  harvester  his  debt. 

The  garnered  grain  she  heaps  up  high, 
Reward  for  him  who  's  used  her  well, 

And  Fortune's  gifts  right  lavishly 
She  scatters  over  hill  and  dell. 

Her  treasury  she  opens  wide, 

And  bids  us  share  the  gleaming  wealth 
That  lies  in  view  on  every  side 

In  corn,  and  coin,  and  rugged  health. 


o?  [int  o'  Qmr 


HUGGING   TROUBLE 

This  nursing  of  trouble  and  hugging  of  woe 
Is  quite  the  most  futile  of  things  that  I  know. 
If  you  'd  be  a  nurse  or  a  hugger,  I  pray 
Go  forth  from  your  corner,  and  out  on  the 

way, 
And  there  find  a  chance  for  some  deed  to  be 

did 
In  hugging  and  nursing  some  motherless  kid. 


Jlobemfcer  3 


UNDAUNTED 

Once  out  upon  a  lonely  way 
Upon  a  cold  and  wintry  day 
I  saw  a  small  bird  tempest-tost, 
And  sore  beset  by  chilling  frost, 
Now  hither  blown,  now  hurried  there, 
By  rushing  currents  of  the  air, 
A  picture  full  of  sad  regret, 
That  worried,  winged  thing;   and  yet 
He  'd  light  betimes  upon  some  tree 
Where  his  green  playground  used  to  be 
To  rest  his  wearied  little  wing, 
And  there,  despite  his  woe,  he  'd  sing! 
He  'd  sing  the  only  song  he  knew. 
His  note  was  clear,  his  note  was  true, 
And  then  back  to  the  fight  he  'd  fly 
Undaunted,  blithe,  and  bright  of  eye! 


ffL  £iw  o  (fee 


r 


Jlobember  4 


TIME'S    SAVINGS 

He  who  gives  to-day  full  measure 
Finds  his  yesterdays  a  treasure 
That  no  woes  that  overcome  us 
E'er  can  take  completely  from  us  — 
Wealth  secure,  and  full  of  blessing, 
That  is  truly  worth  possessing. 


£acii(Day  d  tfay 


Jlobember  5 


WISE    FOOLISHNESS 

When  some  rocky  path  ye  tread 
Do  your  talkin'  with  your  head, 
But  when  sympathy  is  due 
Let  your  old  heart  speak  for  you. 
Who  knows?    Maybe  some  distress 
Can  be  cured  by  foolishness 
Better  than  the  wisest  plan 
Ever  yet  devised  by  man. 


ffL  (int  o  (Jmr 

Jlotoember  6 


YOUTH 

Youth  is  lovely.    Youth  is  fair. 
Youth  hath  such  a  bonny  air, 
And  I  love  it  when  it  glows 
With  the  color  of  the  rose 
On  the  cheek  of  maid  and  man 
In  the  heyday  of  life's  span. 
But  youth  's  in  its  sweetest  stage 
When  within  the  heart  of  Age 
Still  it  makes  the  sere  day  bright 
With  its  ever-golden  light. 


o 


'ear 


RAPTURE 

Withered  leaves  are  dancing, 
With  the  breezes  prancing. 
Harvest  mows  are  smiling 
With  their  stores  beguiling. 
Zephyrs  swift  are  chaffing 
With  the  brooklets  laughing. 
Autumn's  stars  are  beaming 
Through  the  crisp  night  gleaming. 
Birds  are  southward  winging 
Full  of  joyous  singing. 
Hill,  and  vale,  and  river, 
In  the  sunlight  quiver. 
Thrilling  with  thanksgiving 
O'er  the  joy  of  living. 

Guess  I  '11  try  to  capture 
Some  of  all  this  rapture. 
Nature  must  prepare  it 
For  Mankind  to  share  it! 


* 


[iw  o  Qittr 


DISTINCTIONS 


Grant  me  much  self-respect,  but  no  conceit, 

And  may  I  ever  see 
Myself  a  man  with  honest  pride  replete, 

With  naught  of  vanity. 


Jlofcember  9 


CERTAIN 


TACTICS 


"  Fight  fire  with  fire."    Yes,  that  's  effective, 
But  careful  be  of  your  objective. 
You  cannot  cure  a  quarrel  by  "  quar'ling," 
Nor  thread  a  snarl  by  simply  snarling. 


1    /Hf/A     L 

» 

c 

a 

1  i  Y)  0  (\ 
^^*^j 

J^obember 

& 

10 

wr 

i 

^' 

X 

(CCP  /J!§§5r 

€ 

% 

THE    USED-TO-BEE 

Of  all  the  bees  that  hum  around 

The  best  of  all  to  me, 
Whose  honey  's  sweetest,  I  have  found 

The  good  old  "  Used-To-Bee." 

The  sweets  we  Ve  stored  are  our  reward, 

Saved  for  a  rainy  day, 
And  keep  us  warm  against  the  storm 

Of  troubles  on  our  way. 

So  here  's  to  thee,  old  "  Used-To-Bee," 

So  rich  in  treasure-trove ! 
Long  as  I  live,  my  thanks  I  '11  give 

For  all  thy  gifts  of  love. 


Jlofcember 


THE   FRUIT 

Tears  may  fall  —  I  'm  not  complaining. 
In  my  heart  it 's  simply  raining, 
And  mayhap  from  out  my  woe 
Something  green  will  later  grow 
That  will  add  unto  my  power 
In  some  chance,  emergent  hour 
To  relieve  the  burden  gray 
Of  some  comrade  gone  astray! 


(int  o*  Qutr 

jBtotoember  12 


A   SUMMONS 

Ho  —  let 's  out  upon  the  wing ! 
Somewhere  some  one  's  suffering! 
Sound  the  gong  and  clear  the  road! 
On  we  come  with  loving  load 
Full  of  cheer  and  comradeship 
For  the  soul  in  trouble's  grip! 

All  the  drowning  's  not  at  sea. 
Some  on  land  poor  swimmers  be, 
Going  downward,  helpless,  lost, 
In  life's  waters  tempest-tost  — 
Lost  for  just  a  timely  rope 
Cast  by  love,  and  weft  of  hope! 


PI 


Sxli'Day  d  tfayear 


Jlobember  13 


THE    DAYMAKER 

1  care  not  what  the  Weather  Bureau  says 
From  this  time  on  I  'm  making  my  own  days, 
And  if  without  the  tempests  roar  and  spin, 
If  so  I  choose  I  '11  have  sunshine  within; 
Or  if  I  need  the  rain,  and  skies  are  bright, 
I  know  just  how  to  bring  dark  clouds  in  sight. 
Though  truth  to  tell  I  plan  to  specialize 
On  cheery  days,  with  brilliant,  sunny  skies 
A-gleam  with  joy,  and  leave  the  other  style 
For  solemn  folks  who  'd  rather  frown  than 
smile. 


o?  fjM  0'  Qm 

jBiobember  14 


r 


AS    TO    PINING 

The  English  tongue  sometimes,  I  fear, 
Would  strike  a  man  from  Mars  as  queer. 
For  instance,  when  some  people  say, 
"  'T  is  sad  to  see  one  pine  away." 
They  do  not  know  the  kind  of  pine 
That  gladdens  so  this  soul  of  mine 
When  I  observe  it  front  the  ill 
Of  winter  with  its  bitter  chill, 
Its  green  persistent  in  the  face 
Of  every  blast  that  comes  apace; 
Its  head  held  high  against  the  sky 
Whatever  tempest  passes  by; 
And  mid  the  blizzards  as  serene 
As  in  the  summer,  soft  and  green. 
It  simply  pines,   and  pines  away, 
And  gathers  strength  day  after  day; 
And  stands  erect  whate'er  may  be, 
And  takes  what  comes  unflinchingly. 

How  wondrous  fine  't  would  be,  I  say, 
If  folks  would  only  "  pine  "  that  way! 


15 


WHEN    KINKS   APPEAR 

No  matter  if  you  think 

The  world  is  in  a  kink, 

Just  strike  your  proper  gait 

And  keep  your  own  path  straight. 

It  won't  be  long  before, 
In  footing  up  the  score, 
You  '11  find  past  any  doubt 
The  kink  is  straightened  out. 


o?  {lw  o'  Qmr 


M 


jBtobemfaer  16 


AS   TO   WASTE 

If  all  the  waste  were  used,  my  dear, 
Drear  want  would  shortly  disappear, 
And  not  a  soul  in  all  the  race 
Would  stand  with  hunger  face  to  face, 
If  all  the  waste  were  used. 

And  this  refers  to  sympathy 
And  tender,  true  humanity 
For  all  the  human  brood,  my  dear, 
And  not  alone  to  food,  my  dear, 
If  all  the  waste  were  used! 

So,  who  '11  become  a  granary 

For  those  that  starve  for  sympathy, 

And  fill  with  food 

The  multitude 

Whose  souls  grow  faint  for  just  a  taste 
Of  that  we  're  letting  run  to  waste, 

But  would  be  fed 

And  comforted, 
If  all  the  waste  were  used? 


Sxcli'Day  o  tfayear 


17 


WAITING    SMILES 

All  the  worry  in  the  world 

Never  killed  despair. 
Trouble  never  yet  was  furled 

On  the  rod  of  care. 

Grit  your  teeth,  and  steadily 

Plod  your  thorny  road. 
Some  To-day  will  rectify 

Wrongs  of  yesterday. 

Somewhere,  somehow,  there  '11  be  smiles 

Waiting  on  the  road, 
Easing  off  the  weary  miles, 

Lightening  your  load. 


NT 


o?  £int  o'  Qmr 

jBtobember  18 


THE   TEACHER 

Woe  came  to  me  one  day,  and  quietly  we 

talked, 
And  when  she  went  her  way,  my  troubled 

path  I  walked 
Contentedly,    for    she,    despite    her    visage 

drear, 
Had  given  unto  me  a  vision  bright  and  clear. 

She  pointed  clearly  out,  unerringly  and  plain, 
Just  how  it  came  about  that  I  had  suffered 

pain; 
And  while  she  'd  made  me  wan  with  trial  and 

distress, 
She    helped    me    start    upon    the    Road    to 

Happiness. 

There  never  was  a  good  black  night 
That  did  not  point  the  way  to  light ! 


j&otoember  19 


ASSETS 

I  may  possess  no  drossy  treasure-trove, 

But  —  I  have  love ! 
It  may  be  in  some  lowering  clouds  I  grope, 

But  —  I  have  hope! 
With  love  and  hope  to  make  my  days  secure, 

My  fortune  's  sure. 
Without  them  all  the  riches  of  the  earth 

Have  little  worth; 
But  with  them,  lacking  gold,  I  still  opine 

Success  is  mine ! 


£iw  o'-Qiter 

Jlotoember  20 


UNBOUND 

Sometimes  when  feeling  close  confined 

And  shut  within  a  narrow  sphere, 
It 's  rather  pleasing  to  my  mind 

To  gaze  off  in  the  heavens  clear, 
And  fancy  that  the  earth  is  but 

A  front-seat  at  some  wondrous  show 
Where  I  may  sit  and  watch  the  strut 

Of  forces  marching  to  and  fro; 
And  when  the  play  for  me  is  done, 

I  '11  find  at  last  a  dwelling-place 
In  broad  fields  bounded  by  the  sun, 

The  moon,  the  stars,  and  endless  space. 


Jlobember  21 


PRESCRIPTION 


If  you  would  check  your  trouble  crop 
Just  put  old  worry  on  the  shelf, 

And  on  this  very  instant  stop 
A-sympathizing  with  yourself. 


Self-sympathy  's  a  kind  of  care 
That  seldom  lands  us  anywhere. 


&  {jMtfQitt 

~Pj  jHobember  22 


r 


PAY   AS   YOU    GO 

Thanksgiving  Day  will  soon  be  here, 

But  it  has  ever  been  my  way, 
And  one  that 's  filled  my  soul  with  cheer, 

To  keep  Thanksgiving  every  day. 
It  really  helps  a  lot,  you  know, 
To  keep  on  paying  as  you  go, 
Not  putting  off  till  the  account 
Foots  up  to  such  a  vast  amount 
That  you  're  not  certain  if  your  store 
Is  quite  sufficient  for  the  score. 


0 

Jlobember  23 


WHEN   THINGS   ARE   SPARSE 

Don't  grieve  if  haply  you  are  thin! 

Remember,  't  is  no  fable, 
The  fattest  turkey  's  first  to  win 

His  place  upon  our  table; 
And  oversleekness  often  brings 

A  consequential  guerdon 
That  makes  the  lot  of  lofty  kings 

A  mighty  heavy  burden. 


^ 


o?  (ine  o*  Qm 

Jlotjemfcet  24 


r 


COMING   WINTER 

There  's  frost  upon  the  window-pane, 

And  bitter  is  the  air. 
The  birds  are  winging  south  again, 

And  chill  is  everywhere. 
But  'gainst  the  rime  of  wintry  days 

I  Ve  stored  within  my  soul 
Enough  of  summer's  sunny  rays 

To  ease  my  meed  of  dole. 
And  when  it  comes  to  chilly  nights 

With  tempests  fierce  a-wing 
I  sleep,  and  dream  of  harbor  lights 

About  the  Ports  of  Spring. 


Jlofcember  25 


A    PREFERENCE 

In  distant  skies  the  gorgeous  hues 

Of  scintillating  beauty  glow, 
And  with  their  glories  vast  suffuse 

The  drifting  clouds  that  float  below. 
About  me  on  the  city  streets 

A  drab  and  sordid  prospect  lies, 
And  everywhere  grim  sorrow  greets 

And  fills  with  woe  my  watching  eyes. 

Yet  would  I  dwell  below  with  these 

Whose  portion  is  but  grim  despair, 
Not  'mongst  those  cloudland  mysteries 

For  all  their  glowing  beauty  rare. 
For  they  're  but  cloud-lands,  after  all, 

Adrift  all  aimlessly  above; 
While  here  below  whene'er  I  call 

I  find  realities  of  love. 


o?  (me.  o'  Qwt 

jflobembcr  26 


r 


HEART-ZONES 

I  Ve  charted  off  my  heart  to-day 

In  quite  a  geographic  way. 

When  some  unhappy  comrade  falls 

And  for  a  speedy  judgment  calls 

The  Zone  called  Temperate  I  '11  use 

In  reckoning  his  final  dues. 

When  anger  comes  to  vex  my  path 

And  vengeful  thoughts  lead  on  to  wrath, 

The  Arctic  Zone  will  cool  me  off 

And  at  my  mad  impulses  scoff; 

And  when  there  's  need  for  sympathy, 

The  Torrid  Zone  will  do  for  me. 

Thus  will  my  heart  in  thought  and  deed, 

And  kindly  impulse  serve  my  need. 


Sxfi'Day  o 

Jlobemfaer  27 


RELIEF    IN    RHYME 

When  matters  go  askew  sometimes 

I  find  much  help  in  making  rhymes. 

For  instance,  when  I  darkly  grope 

It  helps  a  lot  to  think  of  "  hope." 

And  when  the  night  is  black  as  "  ink  " 

It  helps  to  think  that  dawn  is  "  pink." 

When  scenes  are  steeped  in  misery 

I  like  to  dwell  on  "  charity." 

"  Glad  "  rhymes  with  "  sad,"  and  "  light  " 

with  "  night," 

While  "  plight "  and  "  spite  "  suggest  "  de- 
light," 

And  as  for  "  jeer,"  and  "  sneer,"  and  "  fear," 
My  rhyming  scheme  leads  on  to  "  cheer." 

Just  try  it  when  your  days  are  "  blue." 
Your  rhyme  may  show  that  "  skies  are,  too." 


[int  o>  Qutr 

Jlobember  28 


THE    PARADOX 

If  you  have  a  thought  of  glee, 
Just  some  little  note  of  cheer, 

Wander  forth  right  speedily, 
Pour  it  in  some  comrade's  ear. 

If  you  have  a  thought  of  dread, 
Of  some  evil  you  must  read, 

Keep  it  close  within  your  head, 
In  your  spirit  buried  deep. 

Of  your  joys  spend  lavishly. 

Be  a  miser  with  your  fear. 
What  you  spend  will  multiply; 

What  you  hoard  will  disappear! 


J^ofcember  29 


ALWAYS    READY 

When  all  about  me  rush  like  mad, 
And  push  and  shove  in  wild  abandon, 

Amid  the  turmoil  I  am  glad 

That  I  Ve  two  sturdy  legs  to  stand  on. 

And  if  caught  in  that  onward  smash 
They  overturn  me  as  they  fly  on, 

It  comforts  me  as  down  I  crash 

To  think  that  I  Ve  my  back  to  lie  on. 


[int  o  Qittr 

J^tofcember  30 


MY    KINGDOM 

Who  'd  be  a  king  when  he  can  be 

A  man  that's  free? 
Who  'd  bend  beneath  his  pompous  load 

And  lose  the  road? 
Who  'd  cherish  stores  of  yellow  dross 

Involving  loss 
Of  love,  and  freedom,  and  the  greens 

Of  peaceful  scenes? 
Not  I !     The  only  king  I'd  be 

Is  king  of  Me, 
Lord  of  Myself,  and  Master  of  my  Soul 

That  is  my  goal! 


LMZV*y< 


December  I 


THE    LAST   CHAPTER 

Now  comes  the  final  chapter  of  the  year. 
The  last  days  of  its  span  are  flying  fast. 
We  balance  up  our  books  in  woe  and  cheer. 
The  totals  of  our  loss  and  profit  cast. 

For  me,  in  looking  back,  I  choose  to  dwell 
On  sunny  days  that  stand  in  bold  relief, 
And  of  their  many  happinesses  tell, 
With  eyes  tight-closed  to  every  hour  of  grief. 

Thus  grows  the  retrospect  in  joy,  and  I 
Approach  another  turning  of  life's  page 
Unvexed  to  think  that  I  am  passing  by 
A  further  milestone  on  the  path  to  age. 


o?  ^m£  o'  (Jut 


r 


December  2 


HOLY   DAYS 

Yes,  December  's  cold  and  gray, 
And  the  birds  have  flown  away, 

Leaving  us  to  wintry  stress, 
But  ourselves  can  change  the  scene 
With  the  tints  of  summer  green 

With  the  brush  of  kindliness. 

Soon  the  holidays  we  '11  see, 
Full  of  mad  hilarity, 

Full  of  joys  delirious  — 
By  some  act  of  kindness  done 
We  can  make  them  every  one 

Truly  Holy  Days  for  us ! 


December  3 


TOGETHER 

No  matter  what  the  kind  of  weather, 
The  fairest  path  I  know  's  "  Together/' 
When  through  some  bright  or  cloudy  strand 
Two  lovers  walk  it,  hand  in  hand. 

E'en  though  we  cannot  join  them  there 
The  sight  of  them  is  passing  fair, 
Just  as  we  joy  in  sunset  hues 
Which  we  may  gaze  on,  but  not  use. 


o?  jjnt  o'  Qwr 

I 


December  4 


THE  FIRES  OF  FRIENDSHIP 

Blow  on,  ye  wintry  blasts !    Ye  vex  me  not. 
I  'm  poor  in  coin,  maybe,  but  rich  in  friends, 
And  every  bitter  ill  that  thou  hast  got 
In  Friendship's  face  incontinently  ends. 

The  fires  of  comradeship  are  constant,  true. 
They  burn  for  aye,  despite  thy  wintry  rue, 
And  ne'er  an  ice-woe  from  the  arctic  day 
Can  stand  before  the  glow  of  such  as  they. 


December  5 


THE   LAGGARD 


Time  often  drags,  but  why  complain,   for- 
sooth? 

What  though  his  onward  step  's  not  faster, 
stronger? 

The  slower  he  to  pass,  we  hold  our  youth 
The  longer! 


cTM 


o?  £nt  o  Qwr 

December  6 


THE   SECRET 

If  we  could  only  understand  the  language  of 

the  breeze, 
And  grasp  the  inner  meaning  of  the  whisp'- 

rings  of  the  trees, 
I  'm  sure  the  message  they  'd  impart  would 

drive  away  all  fear, 
And  bid  us  be  right  strong  of  heart,  and  hold 

it  full  of  cheer. 

I  'm  sure  they  'd  bid  us  note  how  quick  the 

storm  clouds  drift  away, 
And  how  no  mist  can  e'er  persist  before  the 

smile  of  day, 
And  when  Life's  secret  stands  revealed  in  all 

its  blessed  truth 
We  'd  find  it  in  the  blissful  fact  of  Love's 

eternal  youth. 


faf\fDcyoti\$tar* 

|    SJecember  7 


PA 


FRIENDLY   NATURE 

When  in  my  troubles  sunny  days  come  by 
I  look  on  them  as  gifts  from  up  on  high 
To  cheer  me  in  the  hour  of  my  rue, 
And  bid  me  hold  my  soul  steadfast  and  true. 
And  if  perchance  the  skies  are  full  of  rain, 
And  moaning  winds  fly  over  hill  and  plain, 
They  are  not  added  woe,  but  proof  to  me 
That  in  my  stress  I  Ve  Nature's  sympathy  — 

As  tears,  and  sighs, 
Of  kindly  friends  show  that  they  sympathize. 


fine  0'  (jfer 

JDctrmbcr  8 


FOR   TO-DAY 

Let  this  morning's  motto  be 
Kindliness  and  Courtesy, 
Smiles  for  all  upon  the  way. 
Then  however  bleak  the  day 
I  shall  feel  when  it  is  over 
Like  a  bee  amid  the  clover, 
Gathering  honey  all  day  long, 
Humming  out  my  life  in  song. 


\Sa(M)ca)  6  Ai^ear' 


December  9 


THE    DEMONSTRATION 

To  make  your  faith 
No  spectral  wraith, 
Just  found  your  creed 
Not  on  the  word  but  on  the  deed. 

The  more  't  is  used 
In  deeds  suffused 
And  put  into 
The  little  things  you  daily  do, 

The  more  't  will  grow ; 
And  ere  you  know 
'T  will  gather  strength, 
And  finally  't  will  turn  at  length, 

The  more  you  act, 
Into  a  fact 
So  plain  that  you 
Will  never  have  to  prove  it  true. 


0'  Qutr 

December  10 


PROFITABLE    LOSS 

Ofttimes  in  bargains  involving  dross 
I  Ve  found  the  profit  was  wholly  loss, 
And  other  times  in  my  bitter  pain 
I  Ve  found  my  loss  in  the  end  was  gain. 

Wherefore  it  seems  that  the  thing  to  do 
When  lowering  troubles  loom  into  view 
Is  to  see  what  use  we  can  put  'em  to, 
And  turn  the  losses  that  there  impend 
Into  some  kind  of  a  dividend! 


©cccmbcr  II 


THE    HARVEST 

Without,  I  grant,  I  show  my  age, 

But  deep  within  I  'm  young  as  ever. 
Let  hoary  Time  turn  page  on  page 

And  rush  along  in  mad  endeavor 
To  prove  me  old !     I  '11  merely  laugh, 

His  scythe  and  hour-glass  defying. 
Love's  wheat  is  mine  —  his  share  's  the  chaff 

Of  arbitrary  days  a-flying! 


OL  £nt  o>  (Jut 


r 


December  12 


NOT    WHITHER    BUT   WHERE 

Where  we  're  to  be  some  day  't  were  quite 

as  well 

To  leave  unto  the  verdict  of  our  star. 
'T  were  wiser  much  for  us  to  rest  a  spell 
And  take  a  daily  reckoning  to  tell 
Us  where  we  are. 

Foresight  is  fine,  yet  thinking  on  to-morrow, 
Neglectful  of  the  chances  here  to-day, 

Is  like  to  living  on  the  sweets  we  borrow 
Unmindful  of  the  fruit  along  the  way. 


Zacli'Day  d  t&year 

T  Jictcmlier  13 


UPSTREAM 

Never  mind  the  rocky  bed, 

Or  the  rapids  round  you  spread, 

Grip  your  oars  and  pull  ahead! 

Never  mind  the  rushing  tide, 
Nor  the  whirling  pools  that  hide 
'Neath  the  stream  on  every  side. 

Heed  ye  not  the  currents  strong 
Setting  toward  the  ports  of  wrong, 
Grip  your  oars  and  pull  along. 

Let  your  sweep  be  broad  and  true 
On  the  course  that  sets  into 
Harbors  fair  that  wait  for  you. 

Head-winds  blow,  and  false  lights  gleam 
Hard  is  rowing  'gainst  the  stream, 
But  the  prizes  are  supreme ! 

Where  head-waters  bubble  free 
There  the  fountain-sources  be 
Of  the  powers  of  the  sea ! 


io?  jjne.  o'  Qwr 


M 


Jieccmber  14 


NEVER   FAILING 

No  matter  how  the  winds  are  humming 
It 's  always  true  that  summer  's  coming. 
It 's  coming  any  time  of  year, 
In  spring  the  fair,  in  winter  drear; 

When  bees  are  humming, 

Or  blasts  are  strumming 

With  sleet  or  rain 

Upon  your  pane, 

It 's  always  coming,  coming,  coming, 
And  some  day  'twill  be  here 
With  all  its  warmth  and  cheer 
To  share  its  treasures  joyously 

With  you  and  me ! 


? 


December  15 


THE    UPWARD   WAY 

Whose  soul  shall  rise  above  the  cloud 

That  blights  the  path  that  must  be  run 
Will  reach  the  realms  with  bliss  endowed 

Where  shines  the  everlasting  sun. 
Put  rein  and  bridle  on  the  mist, 

And  ride  oblivious  to  care, 
And  on  the  upward  way  persist  — 

The  light  is  surely  waiting  there. 


UL  £iw  o'  (J^r 


Jiecember  16 


IN   THE    DEPTHS 

Deeper  than  reason,  deeper  than  mind, 
Down  in  the  depths  of  my  spirit  I  find 
Senses  of  vast  and  ungraspable  things 
Stirring  the  soul  like  a  flutter  of  wings, 
Filling  my  heart  with  a  faith  in  a  day 
Far  in  the  future,  yet  here  in  a  way, 
Blest  with  the  light  of  a  Fatherly  face, 
Loving  of  eye,  and  a-glowing  with  grace, 
Bidding  me  enter  of  sorrows  all  free 
Into  the  home  that  is  waiting  for  me. 
That  is  the  faith  in  my  spirit  I  find, 
Deeper  than  reason,  deeper  than  mind, 
Senses  of  love,  and  ineffable  things, 
Stirring  my  soul  like  a  flutter  of  wings! 


ScuMDoy  6 'tfayear 


Ucccmbcv  17 


AS   TO    RESENTMENT 


Resentment?      Nay,    my    friend  —  it's    not 

worth  while. 
A  thousand  frowns   are  n't  worth   a   single 

smile, 

And  as  for  me  I  have  no  time  to  spare 
For  going  round  with  a  resentful  air, 
When  everywhere  I  look  I  see  some  chance 
To  greet  a  fellow  man  with  loving  glance 
To  help  him  on,  and  make  the  road  I  run 

A  brighter  one, 
And  give  the  highways  dark  that  lie  ahead 

That  I  must  tread 
Some  of  the  radiant  sweetness  of  the  sun. 


S/L  [int  oy  Qmr 

Bccemfaer  18 


THE    SURPLUS 

If  so  your  cup 

With  joy  fills  up 
That  it  is  over-brimming, 

Pray  keep  in  sight 

The  hapless  wight 
In  difficulties  swimming. 

Just  take  the  waste 

You  cannot  taste 
To  some  poor  soul  in  sorrow. 

I  'm  quite  inclined 

To  think  you  '11  find 
Your  stock  increased  to-morrow 


Sxti'Day  o  thyMcr 


JBecember  19 


HEAD   AND    HEART 

When  Heart  says   "  Do,"   and  Head   says 

"  Don't," 

And  Will 's  inclined  to  say  "  I  won't!  " 
It  may  be  wrong  to  follow  Heart 
And  from  the  paths  of  Head  depart, 
But  all  the  same  I  've  heard  much  song 
On  roads  wise  Head  hath  branded  wrong, 
And  sooner  found  the  light  that 's  true* 
On  byways  Heart  hath  brought  to  view! 


{Ini  o  Qwtr 

JBecemiet  20 


THE    DIVIDEND 

To-day  my  banner  is  unfurled, 

And  forth  I  go 

To  scenes  of  woe, 
To  add  unto  the  glory  of  the  world 

By  some  good  deed 

For  those  in  need: 
To  dry  the  tears  in  some  one's  eyes; 
To  drive  the  clouds  from  some  one's  skies; 
And  on  my  sturdy  shoulders  bear 
The*  burden  of  some  other's  care; 
And  when  at  e'en  the  sunset  falls 
On  distant  hills,  on  city  walls, 
In  all  its  splendor,  rich,  divine, 
Some  of  its  radiance  will  be  mine ! 


\£acfi(D(Uj  o  tfay&ir 


December  21 


A   YEAR   AGO 

Now  where  was  I  a  year  ago? 
Enmeshed  in  just  what  net  of  woe? 

Blest  if  I  know! 

Hence  naught  of  tribute  shall  I  pay 
To  any  trouble  here  to-day. 
A  year  will  shortly  pass  away, 

And  every  fear 

At  present  here, 
Just  as  that  woe  of  yesteryear, 
Will  lie  forgot,  unless  I  choose 
To  cherish  it,  which  I  refuse! 


(int  o'  Qfittr 

^December  22 


THE    HOLLY   WREATH 

The  holly  wreath  's  a  joyous  sight 

To  cure  us  of  despond, 
And  it  is  made  exactly  right 

To  let  us  look  beyond  — 
Beyond  the  scenes  of  gladsome  mirth 

That  all  about  us  be, 
Into  those  other  scenes  of  earth 

And  opportunity. 

The  berry's  glow  amid  the  green 

Speaks  of  that  jewelled  day 
When  love  whose  like  was  never  seen 

Dawned  on  our  mortal  way; 
And  through  the  spaces  garlanded 

We  look  upon  God's  poor, 
And  find  the  path  before  us  spread 

To  make  His  love  secure  ! 


December  23 


If  you  have  the  gift  of  song, 
Use  it,  use  it,  all  day  long ! 


If  you  have  the  gift  of  mirth, 
Let  it  gladden  all  the  earth ! 


If  you  have  the  gift  of  cheer, 
Let  it  echo  loud  and  clear! 


If  you  have  stores  of  content, 
Be  its  joys  on  others  spent; 


And  your  Christmas  dividend 
Will  be  good  will  without  end 


Hi 

u 

<5? 

C-         >  /^T 

^m£  o  ^ 

JSecember  24 

eer 

€ 

AS   TO    SANTA   CLAUS 

'T  is  quite  the  fad  these  days  of  doubt 

To  put  old  Santa  on  the  shelf; 

But  you  can  put  such  doubt  to  rout 

By  being  Santa  Claus  yourself! 

So  sling  your  pack 

Upon  your  back, 

And  seek  the  hovels  poor  and  mean 
Where  Santa  Claus  is  seldom  seen, 
And  take  the  souls  that  there  abide 
Their  portion  of  the  Christmastide. 


\£acli(DaydtKeyMr 


Jiecember  25 


HIGH    FESTIVAL 

Now  let  the  chimes  that  sweetly  ring 

Upon  the  frosty  morning  air 
Surcease  from  every  trouble  bring 

To  grateful  spirits  everywhere, 
And  as  the  coming  of  the  Lord 

Brought  hope  of  grace  to  sinners  all, 
Let  every  heart,  with  one  accord, 

Rejoice  in  His  High  Festival, 
And  spread  good  will 
O'er  dale  and  hill; 

And  where  in  darkness  some  may  grope 
Illume  their  paths  with  rays  of  hope, 
Until  e'en  regions  of  distress 
Beam  with  the  light  of  happiness! 


51  [int  o>  Qwtr 

j  -Becember  26 


A   CHRISTMAS    PRAYER 

Give  me  the  eyes  to  see  my  brother's  woe ; 
Grant  me  the  vision  that  perceives  his  care, 
That  I,  amid  my  Christmas  joys,  may  go 
And  take  some  touch  of  mitigation  there. 

God  point  the  way  that  I  may  quickly  find 
His  acre  waiting  for  the  glad  relief, 
And  ope  my  eyes  that  I  may  not  be  blind 
To  tasks  of  love  that  ease  the  sting  of  grief. 


December  27 


THE    EVER   YOUNG 

Let  the  short  days  run, 
And  the  years  fly  by, 
And  the  blazing  sun 

Speed  across  the  sky. 
What  need  you  care  for  his  path  of  ruth 
If  your  heart  holds  fast  to  the  joys  of  youth? 

Let  your  locks  grow  white, 
And  your  brow  be  lined, 
In  the  swift  sped  flight 
Of  the  years  behind. 
Why  vex  your  soul  as  they  run  along 
If  your  heart  still  rings  with  a  youthful  song? 

Let  the  minutes  race, 

And  the  old  clock  tell 
Of  their  madcap  pace 

With  its  mellowed  bell. 
Age  cannot  touch,  nor  its  sorrows  sear 
The  spirit  that  holds  to  its  youthful  cheer. 


o  Qmr 


December  28 


LEGAL   TENDER 

Give  me  gold  to  pay  my  debts  — 
Gold  or  silver,  I  don't  care. 

When  they  're  gone  I  've  no  regrets 
That  no  longer  they  are  there. 

But  when  I  would  seek  content, 

Peace  and  life's  felicity, 
Dross  hath  little  blandishment. 

Love  the  mintage  is  for  me ! 


o 


December  29 


YESTERDAY,   TO-DAY,    AND 
TO-MORROW 

How  very  fair  to-morrow  looks,  and  O  how 

very  dear 
The  memories  of  yesterday  to  most  of  us 

appear! 
Ah,  well,  my  friend,  remember  as  you  run 

along  your  way, 
To-day  was  once  to-morrow,  and  will  soon 

be  yesterday. 
Let 's  keep  it  fair  as  we  have  dreamed,  and 

as  we  pass  along, 
'Twill   make   another  yesterday   all   bright 

and  full  of  song. 


o?  (ine.  o'  Qitt 


r 


JBecemfaer  30 


WINTER 

When  Winter  in  her  frosty  pride 
Puts  on  a  lot  of  pompous  side, 

And  loudly  blows, 
It  really  makes  me  want  to  laugh 
As  I  reflect  on  how  much  chaff 

Lies  in  her  pose. 

The  fact  is  —  and  a  rose  I  knew 
Last  summer  told  me,  and  it 's  too  — 

Too  good  to  keep  — 
She  's  not  a  queen  of  lofty  birth, 
But  just  a  nurse  to  watch  the  earth 

While  it 's  asleep ! 

A  mighty  good  one  though  is  she, 
And  does  her  duty  faithfully, 

Despite  her  way. 

Were  earth  to  lose  her  snowy  drifts 
We  'd  sadly  miss  the  floral  gifts 

Of  smiling  May! 


L&fftOoi/o 


JBecember  31 


THE    PASSING   YEAR 

Another  year  hath  gone  and  added  to  your 

age? 
Nay,  't  is  not  so,  my  friend  —  you  Ve  turned 

another  page 
In  Life's  great  story  book,  and  now  before 

your  eyes 

Another  chapter  lies, 

To  tell  us  all  alike,  the  patriarch  and  youth, 
How  run  the  blessed  paths  that  lead  us  on  to 

truth ! 


